Colorado SunFest 2026 to Feature Weather Panel

Meteorologists Chris Bianchi and Mike Nelson to discuss Colorado's unpredictable weather

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:03pm

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The fourth annual Colorado SunFest will feature a panel discussion on the challenges of predicting Colorado's temperamental weather. Meteorologists Chris Bianchi from 9News and Mike Nelson, formerly of Denver7, will join the lineup to share their expertise and insights.

Why it matters

Colorado's weather is notoriously unpredictable, with dramatic shifts in temperature, precipitation, and storms that can catch residents off guard. This panel aims to help Coloradans better understand the complexities of weather forecasting in the state and how to prepare for the unexpected.

The details

The panel, titled "Colorado Weather: Always Pack a Coat," will be moderated by reporter Tracy Ross. Bianchi and Nelson will discuss the difficulties in predicting Colorado's weather patterns, as well as provide tips for residents on how to protect themselves from the state's unpredictable conditions.

  • The fourth annual Colorado SunFest will take place on Friday, May 1, 2026.
  • The weather panel is scheduled as one of 11 conversations planned for the event.

The players

Chris Bianchi

Senior meteorologist at 9News in Denver. Before joining 9News in 2021, Bianchi worked for Spectrum Networks and WeatherNation. He has a Broadcasters' Seal of Approval from the National Weather Association and is a broadcast ambassador for the American Meteorological Society's Committee for Hispanic and Latinx Advancement.

Mike Nelson

Former chief meteorologist at Denver7. Nelson retired from the station in 2024 after 20 years, having forecasted weather in Colorado for more than 25 years. Prior to moving to Colorado, he received his degree in Meteorology from the University of Wisconsin and worked at Weather Central, a private weather consulting firm.

Tracy Ross

Reporter who will moderate the weather panel at Colorado SunFest 2026.

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What’s next

The fourth annual Colorado SunFest is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026 at the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs on the University of Denver campus. Tickets for the event are available for purchase on The Colorado SunFest landing page.

The takeaway

This panel discussion at Colorado SunFest 2026 aims to help Coloradans better understand the complexities of weather forecasting in the state and provide tips on how to prepare for the unexpected conditions that can occur.