Updated Oct. 23, 2019 5:21 PM
A fast-moving storm system will slide down the Front Range of the Rockies this week, bringing a burst of snow and tumbling temperatures from Montana to New Mexico and Texas. For the second time in recent weeks, Denver will go on a weather roller coaster as it experiences snow and a dramatic temperature swing in a short period of time.
Denver and Colorado Springs can expect highs to reach the 50s on Wednesday, but temperatures will plummet into the 20s later Wednesday night and support a rapid changeover in precipitation type from rain to snow.
AccuWeather meteorologists are expecting the heaviest snow from the storm to fall over the Colorado Rockies and Foothills from Wednesday night to Thursday.
"Snowfall will vary across the Denver and Colorado Springs metro areas. A coating to an inch or two will fall just to the northeast of Denver and just to the southeast of Colorado Springs," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bob Smerbeck.
"However, 6-12 inches of snow will fall on the Foothills and eastern slopes of the Rockies, including over the Palmer Divide," Smerbeck said.
An AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 16 inches is projected for this snow event over the highest terrain.
A couple of inches of snow are also forecast to fall on Pueblo, Colorado, with much heavier snow to the west.
Thursday morning's commute could prove to be quite treacherous, as several inches of snow are expected in and around the cities.
Some inbound and outbound flights for Denver International Airport are likely to be delayed and cancelled.
Although the snow will be a boon to the ski industry, it will create slow to potentially dangerous travel conditions on portions of interstates 25, 70 and 80 before temperatures climb above freezing Thursday afternoon.
A slew of winter storm watches are in effect from Wednesday evening through Thursday morning in Colorado.
As the storm system dives farther south into the middle and latter part of the week, it will gather strength and tap into moisture being drawn northward from the western Gulf of Mexico.
Some may find it difficult to acclimate to the rapidly changing temperatures and may be sent scrambling for scarfs, hats and heavy coats before heading out the door on Thursday.
The developing snowstorm is seen on satellite on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019. (Image/NOAA GOES East)
With a freeze-up in store Thursday night, people should be prepared for black ice, especially on untreated secondary roadways. Snow should be removed promptly as slush will freeze.
Tourists venturing to Yellowstone National Park should be prepared for slippery travel through Wednesday and pack coats and gloves with 1 or 2 inches of snow and subfreezing temperatures in the forecast. The low temperature on Wednesday night is expected to plunge into the single digits F.
After the storm blankets Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo into Thursday morning, it is forecast continue to slide southward and temporarily stall out over eastern New Mexico into Friday night or transfer its energy to a larger storm taking shape over the southern United States.
In the case of a slow-moving storm, then a prolonged period of heavy, wet snow could bury cities such as Las Vegas, Santa Rosa and Roswell, New Mexico. No more than a brief period of rain or snow showers would occur in these cities if the storm kicks out of the region quickly.
However, some snow will also fall on the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles during Thursday night. It is possible enough snow falls to coat grassy areas and windshields.
AccuWeather meteorologists will continue to monitor the progress of this system as the week progresses and iron out the details on where and how much snow is likely to fall.
Regardless of snowfall, overnight lows in many cities will be 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit lower by week's end than high temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Drier and warmer air should return in the wake of the system by the start of the weekend, helping to melt the snow and dry out roadways and interstates across the region.
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