Weather
Colorado Thanksgiving Travel: Snow, Ice Concerns Nov. 18–24
Denver, CO – Thanksgiving travelers across Colorado could face an increasingly active winter weather pattern as precipitation probabilities rise heading into November 18–24, bringing growing attention
By Cole Barrett · 2026-11-11T08:46:00.627Z
Denver, CO – Thanksgiving travelers across Colorado could face an increasingly active winter weather pattern as precipitation probabilities rise heading into November 18–24, bringing growing attention to mountain snow, freezing temperatures, icy highways and possible winter storm conditions during the busy holiday travel period.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, its November 10 outlook favors above normal precipitation across portions of Colorado and the central Plains from Wednesday, November 18, through Tuesday, November 24.
The widespread precipitation pattern extends from the western United States into the nation's Heartland, where probabilities of above normal precipitation reach 70–80% in some locations. Colorado's eastern Plains are positioned near this stronger precipitation signal, while mountain communities could experience snow where temperatures support winter precipitation.
Denver, Boulder and the Front Range Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Boulder, Westminster and surrounding communities could experience periods of unsettled weather as the wetter pattern develops.
Travelers along Interstate 25, Interstate 70 and Interstate 76 should monitor forecasts for rain, snow or mixed precipitation, particularly if colder air arrives during developing storm systems.
Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Southern Colorado Colorado Springs, Fountain, Monument, Pueblo and surrounding communities are also within the broader region of increased precipitation potential.
Snow could become a concern along higher terrain, including Monument Hill and mountain routes west of Interstate 25, depending on storm tracks and temperatures.
Fort Collins, Greeley and Northern Colorado Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley and Longmont could face changing weather conditions during the November 18–24 period.
Rain or snow could affect travel along Interstate 25 and U.S. Highway 34 if precipitation develops during colder periods.
Summit County, Vail and Colorado's Mountains Breckenridge, Frisco, Silverthorne, Vail, Aspen and surrounding mountain communities warrant particular attention for possible snowfall.
High elevation routes, including Interstate 70 near the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnels and Vail Pass, could experience winter driving hazards if storms develop.
Grand Junction, Durango and Western Colorado Grand Junction, Montrose, Glenwood Springs and Durango could also see unsettled weather, with rain at lower elevations and snow possible across surrounding mountains.
Travelers should monitor forecasts for mountain passes and higher elevation highways.
Thanksgiving Travel: Could Winter Storms Develop? The increased precipitation signal arrives ahead of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26, raising questions about potential snowstorms and travel disruptions across Colorado.
Although NOAA's accompanying temperature outlook favors above normal temperatures across much of the region, Colorado's higher elevations can still support snowfall during relatively warm weather patterns.
The November 18–24 outlook measures the probability of above normal precipitation, not the likelihood of a specific winter storm or snowfall accumulation.
Colorado travelers should monitor updated forecasts for storm timing, snow levels, mountain pass conditions and possible highway impacts as Thanksgiving approaches.