Colorado Is Headed Into A Dangerously Cold Weekend

A major winter storm will bring heavy snow through Monday for the mountains, with lesser amounts for the lower elevations. Many major mountain roadways, including I-70, will experience blizzard/whiteout conditions, especially tonight/Saturday. Travel is highly discouraged. #COwx pic.twitter.com/ZZeZImM5fE
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) January 12, 2024

Colorado is headed into a dangerously cold weekend, with temperatures forecasted as low as -40° with wind chills. The National Weather Service released an official wind chill warning at 5:25pm on Friday, set to go into affect at midnight that night and end at 11am Tuesday, January 16.

“The combination of wind and cold temperatures will create dangerously low wind chill values. Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.” -NWS

A majority of the state is under weather watch, with some areas in the Colorado Rocky Mountains set to receive feet of snowfall throughout the coming days. Travel will likely be extremely hazardous and not recommended. Jackson County, Laramie County, Grand County, Boulder County, Gilpin County, Clear Creek County, Summit County and Park County are all under winter storm warnings.

In the -40° temperatures that it could reach throughout Colorado, frostbite takes just 10 minutes to set in.

If, for whatever reason, you need to travel outside during these extremely cold temperatures, cover all exposed skin and layer properly with waterproof and windproof layers on the outside . Watch for warning signs of hypothermia, including confusion, sleepiness, stiff muscles, shivering, or difficulty speaking, and stay alert for frostbite.

Tons of snow of course means powder days on the mountain, but please stay aware of the cold. TRAVEL IS NOT RECOMMENDED. If you can, only drive if you have a car that can actually handle the snow, and put an emergency kit in your car in case you breakdown. This is a great time to remind yourself of Colorado’s Winter Driving Requirements, which includes carrying chains or having the proper tires to head into the mountains.

This weekend is a great weekend to check on your neighbors, especially elderly neighbors. Do your best to make sure everyone in your life is making it through this snow.