Strong, southwest winds are raking the Colorado Front Range this afternoon, pushing the temperature into the mid 60s (F) and melting away any pockets of snow that still persist from the most recent winter storm. While pleasant, these chinooks warn that a change in our weather is approaching.
Produced by a dome of high pressure across the the Great Basin, the downsloping winds heat and dry the air as it descends from the Continental Divide, to our west. West of the Divide and across the Great Basin, afternoon temperatures are at least twenty degrees cooler today. The leading edge of that cold air will cross the Front Range this evening and our spring-like weather will revert to more seasonal conditions, perhaps including some overnight snow showers in the coming days.
For now, we'll enjoy a mild but cloudy afternoon, fully aware that a Front Range winter is characterized by such dramatic undulations. The pleasant warning is both acknowledged and appreciated.
