Following a week of stormy weather along the Colorado Front Range and across the Central Plains, an atmospheric ridge will build in by tomorrow, bringing sunny, hot conditions within its expanding dome. Here in Metro Denver, we expect highs in the 90s F for the next week.
As the ridge, produced by a northward arc of the jet stream, expands across the Plains and into the Midwest, Pacific storm systems will be directed along its rim, bringing thunderstorms to the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Meanwhile, behind the dome, an atmospheric trough (a dip in the jet stream) will bring cool, moist air to the drought-plagued West; while snow is expected at high elevations, strong winds and lightning may actually increase the risk of wildfires across the dry terrain.
Until the ridge shifts eastward, the Southwest Monsoon, a vital source of moisture throughout the Four Corners Region and the Southern Rockies may be shut down. Let's hope the ridge does not dally.
