National Weather Service
Here it comes. The first big blast of winter weather is expected to hit Colorado on Wednesday and temperatures will be well below freezing by Thursday.
After a high of 70 degrees Wednesday in the afternoon, rain is expected to turn to snow by early Thursday morning in Aspen and Snowmass, according to the National Weather Service forecast. A red-flag warning because of high winds is in effect for Wednesday afternoon as the cold front moves into Colorado.
“Strong southwest winds will occur ahead of this front Wednesday afternoon and evening, with critical fire weather conditions and winds gusting 40 to 50 mph in some areas,” according to the NWS outlook for western Colorado. “Accumulating snowfall with potential travel impacts are possible Wednesday night into Thursday, favoring the high country along the northern and central Colorado divide, as this cold front moves through the area.”
Not a lot of snow accumulation is expected in the Aspen area from the storm, but strong winds and cold temperatures are expected into Friday morning. The overnight low Thursday is 13 degrees, according to the NWS forecast.
“Much colder air will filter in behind this front with a widespread killing freeze anticipated Thursday night into Friday morning,” the NWS outlook says.
The high Thursday and Friday is expected to be 44 degrees.