Western Colorado Sees Unseasonable Warmth This Weekend

Temperatures to reach 70s before plunging back to 80s next week

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:10pm

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The Grand Valley region of western Colorado is experiencing an unseasonable warm spell, with temperatures reaching into the 70s this weekend. However, a heat wave is expected to bring record-breaking 80-degree temperatures back to the area next week, leading to concerns about accelerated snowmelt.

Why it matters

The sudden temperature swings and high winds pose challenges for the region, including elevated fire weather concerns and the potential for rapid snowmelt that could impact water resources and infrastructure.

The details

Gusty winds of 40-50 mph are expected in the northern valleys, contributing to the warm, dry conditions. A clipper-like system is forecast to move through the Rockies on Sunday, bringing a quick shot of snow to the northern and central mountains but more wind than precipitation.

  • Temperatures will continue to increase until Sunday, March 17.
  • A clipper-like system is expected to move through the Rockies on Saturday night, March 16.

The players

National Weather Service

The government agency that issued the weather forecast and warnings for the region.

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What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the situation and issue updates on the incoming heat wave and potential impacts.

The takeaway

The sudden temperature swings and high winds in western Colorado highlight the challenges of managing water resources and infrastructure in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.