Grand Junction, Colorado – Temperatures are surging into the mid to upper 60s across western Colorado this afternoon, warming pavement along I-70 and US-50 and creating springlike conditions through 6 p.m. Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, unseasonably warm air will continue building through the weekend, pushing highs roughly 10 degrees above late-February averages. Grand Junction is expected to peak near 65 degrees, while nearby Moab could reach 67. Durango may climb into the mid-60s, and Aspen into the low 50s.
Across Mesa County and much of the Western Slope, dry air and abundant sunshine are driving the rapid warmup. Along the I-70 corridor from Fruita to Palisade, drivers will encounter clear skies and dry roads, a sharp contrast to recent winter conditions. US-6 and CO-340 will also remain dry with excellent visibility into the evening hours.
In the central and northern mountains, temperatures remain milder than normal, but a shift is expected Sunday. A weak system may bring 1 to 2 inches of snow to higher elevations, particularly along stretches of I-70 near Vail Pass and Rabbit Ears Pass. Travelers planning mountain trips late Sunday should monitor road conditions.
Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated during outdoor activities and remain mindful that snowmelt may refreeze overnight where temperatures dip after sunset.
The warming trend holds through Saturday evening, with more rain and mountain snow possible by midweek. Additional updates will follow as the next system approaches western Colorado.
