Cold Front Cuts Southern Colorado Highs 15 Degrees and Brings Weekend Rain

Residents in southern Colorado will see a sharp drop in temperatures starting Saturday morning. A cold front is expected to cross the region, lowering highs by 10 to 15 degrees below seasonal averages. The change will bring stronger winds and a shift from dry, warm weather to wet, cooler conditions for the weekend.

The National Weather Service forecasts total rainfall between 0.10 and 0.75 inches for the area. Winds will strengthen Friday and continue through the weekend, with gusts reaching 40 to 45 miles per hour. These conditions will accompany the incoming tropical moisture that is moving eastward into the state.

Friday will remain warmer than average in the valleys before the front arrives. Colorado Springs is expected to reach a high of 73 degrees with a low of 51. Pueblo will see a high of 81 degrees and a low of 55. Woodland Park is forecast to top out at 56 degrees. The eastern plains are expected to reach 83 degrees on Friday, with lows around 60.

The weather turns more severe in the western mountains. Heavy rainfall will persist across the San Juan Mountains and the southwestern corner of the state. Flood watches, severe thunderstorm watches, and flood warnings remain in effect for those areas. Forecasters say the risk for flooding and mudslides will continue into Friday and through the weekend.

Snow levels are expected to drop once the cold front passes. This means precipitation could turn to snow at lower elevations during the weekend. The plains may also see decent rainfall amounts as temperatures fall and strong winds set in. A lull in showers is possible on Friday afternoon, but a new push of moisture is expected to arrive Friday night.

The extended outlook indicates the region will dry out next week. Temperatures are projected to return to more seasonal levels after the weekend storm system moves out. For now, the focus remains on the Saturday cold front and the accompanying wind and rain that will affect travel and outdoor activities.