It’s been one of those weeks where Denver’s weather keeps you on your toes. If you’ve been soaking up the sunshine lately, it’s time to grab your coat again. After a brief warm spell, colder temperatures and snow are on their way. Spring is making an appearance, but not before we get a little taste of winter again.
What’s Happening Right Now
As of Thursday, April 3, the weather is a little dreary with temperatures around 42°F (6°C), and cloudy skies are taking over. It’s not too cold yet, but don’t let that fool you. Things are about to get a lot colder, with snow in the forecast and a couple of chilly days ahead. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the mountains, which will last from Friday afternoon until Saturday. So, if you’re headed to the hills this weekend, make sure you’re ready for snow.
What’s Coming Next
We’ve got a pretty active weather pattern moving in. Here’s what you can expect over the next few days:
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Thursday, April 3: It starts out cold, with temperatures barely making it to 41°F (5°C). As the day goes on, expect cloudy skies and a chance of snow flurries in the afternoon. If you’re out later tonight, temperatures will dip to around 30°F (-1°C), so it’ll feel pretty chilly.
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Friday, April 4: It’s another cold one. Temperatures will be around 40°F (4°C), and there’s a good chance we’ll see some snow or rain in the afternoon. While it probably won’t be a huge snowfall, a little accumulation is expected. By night, temperatures will fall to around 26°F (-4°C), so bundle up if you’re out at night.
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Saturday, April 5: Snow will continue, especially in the morning, with a light accumulation of 1-3 cm. The afternoon might bring some sunshine, but it’ll still be chilly. Expect a high of 44°F (6°C), and temperatures will drop to 30°F (-1°C) overnight.
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Sunday, April 6: Finally, a break from the cold! It looks like we’ll get some sunshine, with a high of 57°F (14°C). It won’t be as warm as we’d like, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction. The low will be around 34°F (1°C), so it’s still going to feel a little chilly in the morning.
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Monday, April 7: Here it is—the first real taste of spring! With a high near 68°F (20°C), it’ll feel much warmer, and we’ll finally get to enjoy the sunshine. Expect a low of 40°F (4°C) at night.
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Tuesday, April 8: The warmth continues with highs around 71°F (22°C). You’ll want to get outside and enjoy this one, as it’s a mix of sun and clouds, but overall, it’s going to be a nice day.
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Wednesday, April 9: More sunny weather ahead, with a high near 74°F (24°C). It’s the kind of day that makes you want to be outside all day long. Temperatures will cool down to about 42°F (5°C) at night.
What About Travel?
If you’re heading into the mountains this weekend, be aware that snow could make driving a bit tricky. Roads may be slick and visibility could be poor at times, especially during the snow showers on Friday and Saturday. For those of us sticking around Denver, snow and rain could make the roads slick here too, so take it slow and watch out for icy spots.
What Happens After the Storm?
Once this cold snap passes, we can expect temperatures to climb. By Monday, we’ll finally be feeling the warmth of spring, with highs near 68°F (20°C). After that, it’s all about sunshine, and by mid-week, we could be seeing temperatures in the low 70s°F (around 22°C). It’s definitely a taste of spring, and we’ll take it.
Stay Safe and Be Prepared
Even though the snow and cold will be short-lived, it’s always a good idea to stay prepared, especially when Denver’s weather likes to switch things up quickly. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
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Keep your winter gear handy: Even though we’re seeing some warmer weather, it’s still a good idea to have your coat and boots ready. You never know when a cold front will swoop in.
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Watch the roads: Whether you’re heading into the mountains or staying close to home, the roads can get slick, so make sure you drive carefully, especially during the snow showers on Friday and Saturday.
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Check the weather: Denver’s weather can change fast, so it’s always smart to stay updated. If you’re planning outdoor activities or travel, make sure you’ve got the latest forecast.
