Denver, Colorado – A noticeable mid-February warm-up is set to take hold across the Southern Rockies beginning Thursday, when temperatures climb above freezing across Colorado and New Mexico, increasing snowmelt, wet roads, and changing mountain travel conditions through the Feb 13–19 period.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, warmer air pushing into the region late Wednesday night will lift daytime highs above 32 degrees across much of Colorado and New Mexico. Temperatures are expected to trend above seasonal averages for several consecutive days, marking a shift away from persistent winter cold.
Along Colorado’s Front Range, including Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Fort Collins, highs reaching the upper 30s and 40s will accelerate melting of existing snowpack. Slushy conditions and ponding water are likely on city streets and major corridors such as I-25, I-70, and US-36, especially during the afternoon and evening hours. Overnight refreezing remains a concern on bridges and elevated roadways.
In New Mexico, including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and the Rio Grande Valley, daytime temperatures climbing into the 40s and 50s increase the likelihood of rain rather than snow at lower elevations. Mountain areas may still see mixed precipitation, which could impact travel on I-40, I-25, and higher passes during periods of precipitation.
The milder pattern is expected to persist into early next week. Additional advisories or short-term alerts may be issued as precipitation timing becomes clearer and refreeze risks continue across higher elevations and shaded roadways in the Southern Rockies.
