Rockies Snowstorm to End Denver's Snow Drought
For expert analysis on the winter weather across the United States, click on this video.
A snowstorm blasting the Four Corners today will bring an end to Denver's snow drought, leading to significant travel problems in the process.
Conditions will worsen across the Denver area today as snow arrives, winds increase and temperatures fall.
Tonight, the steadiest snow will spread over the city. By the time the snow winds down Friday morning, the ground will be covered with a total of 6 to 12 inches.
Locally higher amounts are in store for places nestled in the foothills west of Denver. The AccuWeather.com Winter Weather Center gives other expected snow totals across the Rockies and Plains.
A slow and treacherous commute awaits motorists this afternoon and again Friday morning. Both falling and drifting snow will cover area roads, while blowing snow reduces visibility.
The potential exists for flight delays to become increasingly more numerous as today progresses with more disruptions to air travel expected Friday morning.
Any delays at Denver's International Airport will only add to the frustration of those airline passengers who have still not reached their destinations in the wake of the East Coast's post-Christmas Day blizzard.
This storm will easily be the biggest snow event of the season for Denver.
AccuWeather.com Expert Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski stated, "The Mile High City has only received 1.5 inches of snow so far this season, compared to the 38 inches at this point last season."
The arctic air being ushered in by the snowstorm will produce frigid temperatures that the city has not had to deal with since last winter.
Temperatures tonight will plummet to zero, then they will barely recover to 13 degrees on Friday. AccuWeather.com RealFeel® temperatures will be dangerously colder.
The snowstorm headed to Denver will eventually strengthen into an all-out blizzard over the northern Plains on Friday.
Before that time, wind-whipped snow will continue to bury the Four Corners region today. Winds are so strong across the mountains of Arizona and New Mexico that dangerous blizzard conditions will rage and make travel nearly impossible.
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Daily U.S. Extremes
past 24 hours
| Extreme | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| High | 107° | Death Valley, CA |
| Low | 28° | Daniel, WY |
| Precip | 2.39" | Alexandria, MN |
WeatherWhys®
People need to pay close attention to the UV index during this time of year. On a sunny day late in the spring and into the summer, the UV is usually at least an 8, which is very high. Readings over 11 are considered extreme values in which only 10 minutes of full exposure to the sun will produce a sunburn.
This Day In Weather History
New Hampshire (1814)
A tornado crossed Merrimac, Litchfield, Londonderry and North Chester. The same storm produced hailstones that had an 11-inch circumference and weighed 1/2 pound.
Northeast (1989)
More rain in an already wet month. Monthly totals topped 11 inches at New York City, 9 inches at Bridgeport, Conn., and 8 inches at Baltimore (all three totals set records for May).
Rough Weather
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