Warm, Dry Weather Lingers Across Southern Colorado Before a Major Weekend Pattern Change

Southern Colorado is in the middle of an unusually mild stretch, with quiet skies and above-season temperatures expected to last through Thursday, according to forecasts from KOAA News5. A noticeable change is on the way by the weekend.

Overnight conditions on Wednesday are forecast to stay calm under mostly clear to partly cloudy skies. Lows should fall into the 30s across lower elevations and high mountain valleys, while some parts of the eastern plains are expected to hover near 40 degrees.

In Pueblo, Wednesday is shaping up to be another warm afternoon, with highs climbing into the lower 70s and a low near 40. Forecasters expect plenty of sunshine mixed with mid-level clouds, and conditions should remain completely dry through Thursday.

Colorado Springs is projected to see a high of 68 and a low of 40, with a mix of sun and passing clouds and light afternoon breezes across the Pikes Peak region. Canon City should reach the lower 70s with a low of 41, mostly clear to partly cloudy skies and a light southwesterly breeze developing in the afternoon.

Higher up, Woodland Park is forecast to reach around 60 degrees with a low of 32. Conditions there should be pleasant, with sun and clouds, though breezy weather is expected over the higher peaks.

The warm spell is expected to hold through Thursday, with highs in the 60s and 70s at lower elevations. On Friday, subtropical moisture is forecast to move in, bringing scattered rain showers to the mountains and a slight chance of a stray shower in far southeast Colorado. Saturday should stay mostly quiet under a weak ridge, with mild temperatures and only isolated showers over higher terrain.

The bigger story arrives from Sunday through Tuesday. A sharp upper-level trough is forecast to drop in from the Pacific Northwest, bringing a significant storm system to the region. Accumulating snow in the mountains and much colder temperatures are expected to take over.

Rain and snow showers could also wrap around onto the eastern plains into early next week. Winds are forecast to increase late in the weekend and continue into the following week.