Forecasters expect temperatures may fall below zero tonight with an arctic system pushing through the Denver metro area, while the high country faces a week-long forecast of more snow.
Despite mostly sunny skies today, temperatures will plummet from their highs in the 20s as winds subside, said David Barjenbruch, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boulder.
“Even though the winds will be less than 10 mph, wind chills still will be close to 10 below zero,” he said. “Just plan on another very cold night.”
By game time tomorrow afternoon, the Denver Broncos will face temperatures in the 20s, a little higher than earlier forecasts.
Denver could get more snow Tuesday, when temperatures will be in the 20s, which could ensure a white Christmas.
But by Christmas Eve on Wednesday, temperatures will rise to the mid 30s to 40s and could reach higher by Thursday.
“There should still be a little snow on the ground,” said Barjenbruch. “A little snow and a little warm — maybe that’ll make everybody happy.”
In the mountains, a winter weather advisory expired at 5 p.m., leaving 4 inches of now at Copper Mountain, Eldora and Loveland and about 6.5 inches at Winter Park. Blowing snow on the highways made travel treacherous.
U.S. Highway 6 was closed on Loveland Pass due to a semi accident, while most other passes had chain laws in effect, according to the State Patrol.
Snow is expected to redevelop in the mountains by Sunday night, marking the start of what Barjenbruch called a “long duration snow event.” After a break on Wednesday, more snow is expected on Christmas Day and into the weekend.
Kevin Simpson: 303-954-1739; ksimpson@denverpost.com.
