Gusty Winds and Average Temperatures Move Into Western Slope

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As Colorado becomes surrounded by storms, the western slope region is expected to experience gusty winds and a drop in temperatures compared to the previous day. Sunny skies and highs near 60 degrees are expected today, but the trend won't last long as near-70 degree highs return to the valley tomorrow. Gusty winds and warm temperatures are forecast for the remainder of the week and the weekend, with some northern valleys potentially seeing gusts reach 40 mph at times.

Why it matters

The incoming cold front and high pressure system will bring a mix of gusty winds and anomalously warm temperatures to the western slope, which could create a catalyst for Red Flag Warnings due to the dry conditions and high fire danger. The location of the jet stream will keep the gusty winds in the forecast for the foreseeable future, with the northern valleys being the most impacted.

The details

According to the National Weather Service, the location of the jet stream will keep gusty winds in the forecast for the foreseeable future. The northern valleys will be favored with the strongest gusts as they'll be the closest to the jet. Plenty of mixing and a tightening pressure gradient will both aid in these stronger surface winds. A jet streak will move over the CWA on Saturday which will cause an uptick in speeds for the entire area.

• Today, sunny skies and highs near 60 degrees are expected.
• Tomorrow, near-70 degree highs will return to the valley.
• Tonight, temperatures will sit in the low-thirties, but not below freezing.
• Gusty winds and warm temperatures are forecast for the remainder of the week and the weekend.
• Next week, Colorado could be seeing one of the hottest weeks it has seen possibly ever.