Category Archives: Forecasts

Thornton’s Pi Day storm arrives, snow to continue throughout the day

Going to bed last night we were a bit worried about the changeover from rain to snow but it did occur. We will now see the snow continue through the day with conditions deteriorating.

Last night we received 0.65 inches of rainfall before the transition. Now, as of this writing, we have 2.4 inches of snow on the ground with light to moderate showers ongoing.

Snow will continue throughout the day with, perhaps, a bit of a lull this morning, then picking back up in the afternoon and evening. After midnight, things will begin to taper off.

The Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 6:00am Friday with the National Weather Service calling for 10 to 18 inches for the Denver metro area. We continue to think 8 to 12 inches is likely for Thornton by the time this is done tomorrow morning.

Obviously, you should not venture out unless you truly need to. Better to stay safe and indoors. Travel will be hazardous, and the snow may cause some power outages and property damage.

We’ll have more updates throughout the day but our Winter Weather Briefing Page is your one-stop shop for the latest.

Wednesday brings cool, damp conditions ahead of snowstorm tonight and Thursday

Getting closer! The daytime hours today will be relatively non-dramatic with temps near normal and some rain showers. Tonight, the storm system we have been anticipating arrives and with it, potentially significant snowfall.

Starting off, we may see a little bit of sun but then cloudy skies will take over. Light rain showers will be possible much of the day. Highs will top out in the low 50s.

Late afternoon and evening will see showers increase in coverage and intensity and temperatures will drop. After midnight, we should then begin seeing snow. By sunrise tomorrow, 2 to 4 inches will be possible.

Thursday during the day is when things are expected to ramp up and the bulk of the snow hit. An additional 3 to 5 inches will be possible during the daytime hours tomorrow, then another inch or so tomorrow night. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued warning of the potential for 8 to 16 inches.

Thornton will likely be at the lighter end of totals in the metro area with areas west and southwest getting hit much harder. We do see 6 to 10 being quite possible for us.

As we have previously mentioned, this is very much a non-traditional storm setup and as such, many variables are involved, some of which could affect totals in the end. Most notable is temperatures and when the changeover from rain to snow occurs. A later changeover could have big impacts on the amount of snow received.

Certainly, finish your preparations today and be ready should things hit as expected.

Thornton to enjoy one more mild, relatively calm day Tuesday, winter storm arrives Wednesday

Another good looking day ahead for us with above normal temps. Things will soon be changing though as a significant winter storm has its sights set on us for the coming days.

Today we start off with clear skies but cloud cover will increase by mid-morning. The balance of the day will see partly clear skies above. Overall, conditions will be calm beyond some breezy west winds in the afternoon. High temperatures will be topping out in the low to mid-60s.

Tonight, skies will become cloudy and lows will dip to the mid-30s. Some light rain showers will be possible after midnight.

Now, for what everyone will be watching today… The much-talked about storm system continues on track and confidence is increasing for a significant snowfall event beginning Wednesday night and lasting through Thursday night.

The setup for this storm is a bit non-traditional making it tough to pin down and certainly much could change in the next 24 hours or so. However, it is best to be aware and be prepared.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch cautioning that 6 to 12 inches will be possible in the Denver metro area, including Thornton. The biggest impacts will be areas closer to the foothills and Palmer Divide.

Assuming things continue as it currently looks, we do see where Thornton could fall in the 5 to 8 inch range.

Thornton’s weekend starts wintry, ends springlike

While we start off the three-day period with less than ideal conditions, it will be short-lived and not particularly dramatic. We then rebound nicely with very nice days Saturday and Sunday.

For today, patchy fog, light snow and some freezing drizzle will be seen this morning. Light accumulations of a half inch or less will be possible. Roads may be icy in spots this morning so be aware. Any precipitation should be pretty much done by 1:00pm. Highs will only be in the mid-30s. Tonight, skies will gradually clear and we will be dry. Lows will dip to the low to mid-20s.

Saturday offers up a quick recovery. We will enjoy sunny skies and calm, dry conditions. High temperatures will be in the mid-50s. Saturday night, lows dip to the mid-20s under mostly clear skies.

Sunday will be the warmest day of the period with highs in the low to mid-60s. Sunny skies will be above and we will again be dry and calm.

Wednesday sees warmer temps, chance for a little bit of rain

Today will offer Thornton its warmest temperatures of the week. We do also see just a bit of a chance for some precipitation this afternoon and overnight.

Mostly sunny skies start us off then cloud cover will increase by the late morning / early afternoon. Winds will become a bit breezy this afternoon. High temperatures will top out near the 60 degree mark. Mid to late afternoon gives us a chance to see some rain although we are not expecting much, if any.

This evening, gives the best chances for precipitation, then only the slightest chances overnight, perhaps even a few flakes of snow early tomorrow morning. Skies will be mostly cloudy overnight with lows around freezing.

Tuesday brings temps near average, some cloud cover and breezy winds

A weak passing system will increase moisture aloft leading to more cloud cover today. We will, however, still see temps near normal.

Mostly sunny skies start us off but soon cloud cover will increase. Most of the day will feature partly clear skies. Winds will be slightly breezy from mid-morning through the evening. High temperatures will top out near the 50 degree mark.

Tonight, skies remain partly clear. Overnight lows will dip to around 30 degrees.

Seasonal temperatures, dry conditions start Thornton’s workweek

A relatively nice day for you as you head back to work. Temps will be right near average for the date and there will be a good bit of sun above.

We start off with some cloud cover and that will ease in the afternoon leading to mostly sunny skies. Conditions will be dry with some breezy winds in the afternoon. High temperatures will top out right near the average for the date of 51 degrees.

This evening, winds will be breezy then gradually ease. Lows will dip to the mid-20s under partly clear skies.

Overall mild temps for Thornton’s weekend but with wind and a chance for precipitation

Spring-like temperatures certainly sound like a great way to kick off the month of March. However, winds and elevated fire danger are going to dampen the enthusiasm.

Friday looks to be the most pleasant day, relatively speaking. We will see highs in the mid-60s under mostly sunny skies. Winds will be breezy throughout the day. Tonight, winds ease and skies will be mostly clear. Overnight lows will dip to the mid-30s.

Saturday looks to be the warmest day of the period – but also the windiest. Sunny to mostly sunny skies will be above with highs in the mid-60s. Wind speeds will ramp up, particularly in the afternoon, when gusts could hit 40+ mph. The fire danger will be increasing and it would not be surprising to see a Red Flag Warning issued. Saturday night, cloud cover will increase as a front approaches. Lows will dip to the mid-30s and there is a slight chance to see some rain / snow after midnight.

Sunday, some snow will be possible in the morning. Accumulations look to be minimal, if at all, but there is an outside chance we see a more powerful band move through like we did earlier this week. The afternoon brings just a slight chance for a rain shower. Highs will reach the low to mid-50s under partly clear skies.

Have a great weekend!