Southern Colorado Highs to Plunge 15 Degrees as 45 mph Winds Arrive Saturday

A sharp temperature drop of 15 degrees is set to sweep across southern Colorado early Saturday, according to the latest weather outlook. This shift will push regional highs below seasonal averages as a cold front crosses the state. The cooling trend will be accompanied by strong winds, with gusts reaching 40 to 45 miles per hour across the area Friday and into the weekend.

The immediate weather pattern on Thursday evening included scattered showers across the Pikes Peak Region, Pueblo County, and the eastern plains. Overnight lows in these areas settled in the 40s and 50s. Conditions in the west remain more hazardous, with the San Juan Mountains and the southwestern corner of the state facing ongoing heavy rainfall. Flood watches, severe thunderstorm watches, and flood warnings remain in effect for that region.

Friday offers a brief respite before the front arrives. Colorado Springs is forecast to reach a high of 73, while Pueblo will hit 81. Canon City is expected to top out at 75. These temperatures are warmer than usual, though intermittent showers are possible. Woodland Park will stay above seasonal norms with a high of 56. The plains may see highs around 83, while mountain areas will peak at 59.

The weather will turn as the front moves through Friday night. This system will carry new tropical moisture into the region, bringing precipitation into the weekend. The shift is expected to lower snow levels and increase the risk of cold rain and snow. On the plains, the combination of falling temperatures and strong winds could lead to substantial rainfall.

Total rain accumulations across the region are projected to range from 0.10 to 0.75 inches. The San Juan Mountains and western slope will continue to face heavy rain and flood risks through the weekend. The extended outlook indicates that the region will dry out by next week, with temperatures returning to more typical seasonal levels.

Forecasters note that the timing of the moisture push is key to the weekend's severity. The pause in showers expected on Friday afternoon for some areas will be short-lived. The arrival of the front and the accompanying tropical moisture will define the weather pattern through Saturday and into the early part of next week.