Colorado – Cold air pools across western Colorado this morning, frosting fields and glazing windshields under clear skies. In the Grand Valley, the chill settles deep before sunrise, and pavement feels stiff and slick where moisture lingered. Winter may look quiet now, but change is lining up as the calendar flips toward 2026.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, early temperatures dropped into the upper teens with calm winds. Dry conditions dominate the daytime hours, but shower chances increase midweek, especially heading into New Year’s Day. Precipitation remains light, yet timing matters with cold nights in place.
Across western Colorado, sunshine today helps highs recover into the upper 40s. That warming improves daytime travel but sets up a classic freeze-thaw pattern. Melted frost can refreeze quickly after sunset, creating black ice on bridges, ramps, and less-traveled roads.
In Grand Junction, Wednesday stays mostly sunny with highs near 48. Clouds increase late, signaling the next system. By New Year’s Day 2026, scattered showers become likely, with highs near the mid-40s. Rain is favored in the valley, though nearby higher terrain could see brief wintry mixes as temperatures hover near freezing after dark.
Drivers along I-70 should plan for changing road conditions. Watch for slick spots early and again during evening travel. Slow down on shaded stretches and allow extra stopping distance if showers develop.
Shower chances linger into Thursday night, then taper heading into Friday. The first weekend of 2026 trends drier and milder, with highs climbing into the low 50s. Winter travel risks remain manageable, but timing will be key during colder hours. Traveling for New Year’s plans? Share what road conditions look like where you are.
Five-Day Outlook for Grand Junction, Colorado
Today: Sunny, high near 48
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 48
New Year’s Day 2026 (Thursday): Showers likely, high near 44
Friday: Slight chance of showers, high near 49
Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 52
