Colorado Rings In New Year With Unseasonable Warmth as Mountain Snow Looms Thursday

Overview

• Denver and the plains are forecast to reach the 50s and low 60s on New Year’s Eve, running about 10–15 degrees above average.
• Mid and high clouds are expected to thicken this afternoon and evening, which could obscure some views of Pikes Peak fireworks.
• Temperatures drop into the low to upper 30s by midnight across many locations despite the mild afternoon.
• Rain and snow are expected to begin on the Western Slope early Thursday and spread into the high country, with about 1–3 inches possible along the Continental Divide.
• Forecasters note the potential for localized winter weather alerts Thursday into Friday in the mountains, while lower elevations stay mostly warm and dry into the weekend.