Weather
Colorado Thanksgiving Weather Alert: Snow, Ice Possible Nov. 22-28
Denver, CO – Colorado residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel could encounter changing weather conditions November 22 28, with mountain snow, rain and potentially freezing rain am
By Cameron Hayes · 2026-11-15T00:28:10.745Z
Denver, CO – Colorado residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel could encounter changing weather conditions November 22 28, with mountain snow, rain and potentially freezing rain among the possibilities as a wetter than normal pattern is favored across portions of the state.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's NOAA Climate Prediction Center, eight to 14 day temperature and precipitation outlooks issued Saturday, November 14, favor above normal precipitation across portions of Colorado during Thanksgiving week.
The precipitation outlook places Colorado within a broader region extending across the central Plains and Rocky Mountains where wetter than average conditions are favored.
This indicates an increased likelihood of above normal precipitation totals during the seven day period, although probabilities vary across the state.
These outlooks do not establish whether precipitation will fall as rain, snow or a wintry mix.
Could Colorado See Mountain Snow or Freezing Rain?
Despite a temperature outlook favoring generally above normal conditions across portions of the region, snow remains possible throughout Colorado during late November.
Mountain communities including Vail, Breckenridge, Aspen, Steamboat Springs and Winter Park could experience snowfall if moisture arrives alongside sufficiently cold temperatures.
Along the Front Range, including Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs, precipitation could fall as rain during milder periods or change to snow if colder air develops.
Freezing rain is also possible under certain temperature conditions, although it is not specifically indicated by NOAA's outlook.
Above normal temperatures do not eliminate the possibility of freezing conditions or winter precipitation.
Thanksgiving and Black Friday Travel Outlook
Thanksgiving falls Thursday, November 26, followed by Black Friday on November 27.
Drivers traveling Interstate 70, Interstate 25, Interstate 76 and U.S. Highway 285 should monitor updated forecasts as holiday traffic increases.
Mountain passes, including Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel approaches and Vail Pass, could become difficult to navigate if snow or icy conditions develop.
However, no specific winter storm, snowfall accumulation or hazardous travel period has been identified.
More detailed forecasts should clarify precipitation types, storm timing and potential travel impacts as Thanksgiving approaches.
For now, Colorado faces a potentially wetter holiday period, with mountain snow and winter travel conditions remaining possibilities worth monitoring.