Cold air bites at exposed skin while porch lights flicker across dry pavement in western Colorado. Winter still has a grip early this week, but change is already in motion.
Colorado wakes to a quiet but sharp January chill, with clear skies and temperatures in the teens across the Grand Valley. According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, a fast-moving disturbance is bringing light snow to the northern and central mountains today, while lower elevations remain dry. Snow totals of 1 to 5 inches are expected in the high country, mainly impacting passes and elevated roadways.
For Grand Junction and nearby communities, the bigger concern is timing. Cold mornings followed by afternoon melting can set the stage for flash freezing after sunset. Drivers should watch for slick spots on bridges and shaded roads, especially along I-70 and Highway 50 during the early commute windows.
Temperatures begin a steady climb midweek. Highs rise into the mid-40s by Wednesday, with mostly sunny skies returning. Nights stay cold, though, keeping frost and refreeze risks in play through late week.
By Friday, western Colorado trends milder and quieter, matching broader NOAA outlooks showing drier conditions developing across much of the central and western U.S. while colder air presses east.
Winter is far from finished, but for now, layers matter early, sunglasses help later, and caution pays off after dark. Seeing slick spots or mountain snow? Let us know what conditions look like where you are.
Five-Day Outlook: Grand Junction, Colorado
- Tuesday: High 44°F, mostly cloudy early, then clearing
- Wednesday: High 46°F, mostly sunny
- Thursday: High 48°F, mostly sunny
- Friday: High 49°F, sunny
- Saturday: High 51°F, mostly sunny
