GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The calm, clear pre-dawn sky over the Grand Valley belies what’s building in the west. By late Thursday, the region’s streak of dry, golden days will give way to scattered showers — and the highest peaks may see their first dusting of early-season snow.
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction calls for increasing clouds today, with highs near 70 and light southeast winds. For now, Wednesday remains tranquil — ideal for outdoor work, hiking, or travel along I-70. But by late tonight into early Thursday morning, isolated showers and thunderstorms could form as a Pacific disturbance crosses the Rockies.
Thursday looks unsettled, especially between 8 a.m. and noon, when showers and a few rumbles of thunder are likely across Mesa and Delta Counties. Though rainfall amounts will stay light, gusty downdrafts could briefly stir dust across open roads and fields. South of town, toward Montrose and Telluride, the system’s colder air may bring the season’s first flakes above 10,000 feet.
The weather steadies again Friday with bright sun and highs around 64. The weekend brings mild, fall-perfect afternoons — mid-60s Saturday and upper 60s Sunday — under mostly sunny skies. Evenings stay cool, with lows dipping into the 40s across the valley and 30s in the foothills.
Travelers heading east through the mountains should watch for wet pavement and slick spots Thursday morning, especially at Vail Pass and higher points near Glenwood Canyon.
To be fair, no major storm looms — but this pattern marks a clear turn toward winter’s edge. The crisp air, building clouds, and distant snowcaps signal that October’s calm is giving way to the shifting rhythm of a new season.
Five-Day Outlook for Grand Junction, CO:
Wed: 70/47 – Increasing clouds; calm winds.
Thu: 64/45 – Showers and isolated thunder; light rain.
Fri: 64/42 – Sunny and mild.
Sat: 66/46 – Mostly sunny; pleasant.
Sun: 68/44 – Partly sunny; warmer afternoon.
