Pueblo, Colo. – A cooler weather pattern will replace the recent heat across southern Colorado on Tuesday, but the change comes with a growing threat of thunderstorms and localized flash flooding, especially near recent wildfire burn scars. Residents planning outdoor activities or travel in mountain and foothill areas should stay alert as storms become more widespread during the afternoon and evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a passing cool front will increase moisture across the region Tuesday, leading to significantly higher thunderstorm chances while lowering daytime temperatures compared to Monday. The added moisture also raises concerns for rapid runoff and flash flooding in and below burn scar areas.
Thunderstorm chances will be highest across the mountains and higher terrain, reaching 90% in Leadville and Woodland Park, 85% in Buena Vista, Pueblo, Salida and Springfield, 80% in Trinidad, and 75% in Canon City, Walsenburg and Alamosa. Colorado Springs has an 85% chance of thunderstorms Tuesday, while La Junta is forecast at 55% and Lamar at 30%.
Despite the cooler air, temperatures will remain warm across the plains, with highs near 100 degrees in Lamar, 96 in Las Animas, 95 in La Junta and Trinidad, 90 in Colorado Springs, 89 in Pueblo, and 81 in Leadville.
Heavy rain falling over burn scars can trigger dangerous flash flooding with little warning, even if rainfall is brief. Residents living near wildfire burn areas should be prepared to move to higher ground if a Flash Flood Warning is issued and avoid hiking in narrow canyons or camping near streams.
Forecasters will continue monitoring Tuesday’s storm development, and additional flood watches or warnings may be issued if confidence in heavy rainfall increases.
