DENVER, COLORADO – Colorado is bracing for an Arctic air mass that will bring dangerously cold temperatures, heavy snow, and hazardous travel conditions through the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Winter Weather Advisories for much of the state, warning of subzero wind chills, snow accumulations of up to 10 inches in some areas, and the potential for flash freezing on roadways.
The Arctic blast is expected to arrive Friday evening, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures that could freeze wet roadways during the evening commute. Temperatures will continue to plummet into the weekend, with highs in the single digits and lows well below zero across much of the state. Wind chills are forecast to reach as low as minus 30 degrees, posing serious risks for frostbite and hypothermia.
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Snow and Freezing Conditions Across the State
According to the NWS, snow will begin falling Friday evening, with the heaviest accumulations expected in the mountains and foothills. Areas along the Front Range, including Boulder, Fort Collins, and the western suburbs of Denver, could see between 4 and 10 inches of snow by Saturday evening. Snowfall totals for metro Denver and Castle Rock are predicted to range from 3 to 7 inches, with lighter accumulations of 1 to 4 inches in areas such as Limon and Greeley.
In addition to the snowfall, strong winds gusting up to 30 mph east of Interstate 25 could create blowing snow and reduced visibility. These conditions, combined with the risk of flash freezing, are expected to make travel treacherous, particularly during the Friday evening and Saturday morning commutes.
The NWS advises drivers to use caution, allow extra time to reach their destinations, and check current road conditions at COtrip.org.
Wind Chill and Frostbite Warnings
The Arctic air mass will bring dangerously low wind chills to Colorado through Tuesday. In these conditions, frostbite can develop in as little as 10 minutes on exposed skin. Residents are urged to dress in warm layers, cover all exposed skin, and limit time outdoors.
The NWS has warned that livestock and pets are also vulnerable in these conditions. Animals should have access to shelter, unfrozen water, and adequate food to sustain their energy in the extreme cold.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Hazardous Travel Expected in the Mountains and Metro Areas
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is preparing for hazardous travel conditions across the state, particularly on mountain roads and major highways like Interstate 70. Extreme cold will limit the effectiveness of deicing materials, and CDOT crews are expecting continuous refreezing of road surfaces.
Travelers should prepare for delays and pack emergency kits with essentials like blankets, water, a first-aid kit, and a flashlight. For those heading to the mountains, Snowstang bus service is available to transport skiers and snowboarders to Loveland, Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, and Breckenridge for $25 round trip Saturday through Monday.
Safety Tips for the Arctic Blast
With subzero temperatures and snow expected to last through Tuesday, residents are urged to take the following precautions to stay safe:
- Protect Your Home: Leave faucets on a slow drip to prevent pipes from freezing, and open sink cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate.
- Limit Outdoor Exposure: Frostbite can occur quickly in these conditions. Wear insulated clothing, and watch for signs of frostbite such as numbness, waxy skin, or discoloration.
- Prepare for Power Outages: Extreme cold can strain electricity grids. Ensure you have backup heat sources and flashlights in case of outages.
- Keep Pets and Livestock Safe: Provide shelter, unfrozen water, and adequate food for all animals. Clean pets’ paws after walks to remove toxic deicing chemicals.
Warming centers will also open in Denver and other metro areas for those in need of shelter. A list of warming centers can be found here.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Weather Outlook
Temperatures will remain below freezing until Tuesday, when a gradual warming trend is expected to begin. Until then, the combination of heavy snow, flash freezing, and subzero wind chills will make this Arctic blast one of the most challenging weather events of the season.
Stay informed by checking updates from the National Weather Service and CDOT, and take all necessary precautions to stay safe in the extreme cold.
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