Mild temperatures and light, scattered rain gave Cortez a break Tuesday, but a cold front later this week is expected to bring freezing temperatures that could damage crops, sensitive vegetation and outdoor plumbing, according to the National Weather Service.
“We’ll have a couple batches of cooler temperatures impacting susceptible vegetation across the region as we have a freeze overnight – almost each night – for the next few days,” forecaster Kate Abbott said.
A freeze warning is in effect from midnight tonight until 9 a.m. Wednesday, with temperatures expected in the low to mid-20s. A freeze watch is in effect late Wednesday night through Thursday morning, with lows possibly in the middle to upper 20s. The coldest temperatures are expected during the early morning.
Cool temperatures affecting Southwest Colorado tonight and Wednesday night through Thursday morning will be followed by a brief reprieve. A stronger cold front is expected Friday night, bringing colder temperatures into the weekend.
“We’re looking at temperatures in the mid teens in some of the southern valleys behind that system,” Abbott said. “That would be early Saturday morning with subfreezing temperatures sticking around overnight until probably Sunday morning.”
After a stretch of unseasonably warm weather, the sudden temperature drop is the result of low-pressure systems moving through the region and bringing cooler air.
“The one we currently have moving through – that one came more due west from us. So it’s not quite as cold as the one we’re expecting later in the week, which is expected to drop in from the northwest,” Abbott said. She added the colder air expected this weekend is coming from as far north as Canada.
“That’s why the next round will be even cooler than what we’re experiencing right now,” Abbott said.
A hazardous weather outlook is also in effect this week, though Abbott said there is no immediate cause for concern.
“Even if there’s a mention of thunder in the forecast, that lights up. But that’s probably lit up right now because we have some cooler temperatures moving in behind the weather system,” Abbott said.
And while northern and central parts of Colorado are expected to receive much-needed precipitation this week, significant moisture is unlikely for Southwest Colorado, Abbott said.
“The San Juans are still getting a little bit of precipitation right now, but that’ll move out here this evening. The next storm comes in on Friday, and that will favor northern and central Colorado,” Abbott said. “Unfortunately for you guys, it looks like most of the precipitation will stay north of your region.”
By next week, the freezing conditions will likely subside. Monday is expected to be sunny and a bit breezy with highs nearing 70 degrees.
“Really through about early Sunday morning is when we could see the subfreezing temperatures for the near future here. Beyond that it’s looking a little warmer as we head into next week,” Abbott said.
avanderveen@the-journal.com
