GRAND JUNCTION, CO – Mild winter weather continues across western Colorado on Christmas Eve, but signs of winter are returning to the higher terrain as mountain snow develops heading into Christmas Day.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, temperatures across valleys will remain 15 to 20 degrees above normal, even with mostly cloudy skies. Highs this afternoon are expected to reach around 60 degrees in Grand Junction, low 60s in Moab, and upper 40s to low 50s in many mountain-adjacent communities, including Telluride, Steamboat Springs, and Pagosa Springs.
Clouds will gradually increase and lower through the day, eventually leading to mountain snow and valley rain showers late tonight into Christmas morning. While overall impacts are expected to be minimal, winter travel conditions may develop over mountain passes, particularly overnight and early Christmas Day.
Forecasters emphasize that valley locations should see mostly rain with little impact, while snowfall will be focused over higher elevations, including portions of the central and southern Colorado mountains. Accumulations are expected to remain light, but slick roads are possible in mountain travel corridors.
Despite the return of snow to the hills, western Colorado will continue to experience an unusually mild holiday pattern overall, with temperatures remaining well above seasonal averages for late December.
Travelers planning mountain trips are encouraged to check road conditions and forecasts before heading out, especially overnight when snow impacts may briefly increase.
