Grand Junction, CO – A still, icy calm covers the valley this morning as temperatures rest near 25°F under clear skies. Don’t let the peace fool you — a new winter system is on the move and will bring a return to rain and snow showers across western Colorado by Friday night.
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction reports that light snow will begin over higher elevations of the Gore and Elk Mountains late Friday, spreading toward the Roan and Tavaputs Plateau and the Grand Mesa overnight. Significant mountain accumulations are possible, particularly near Rabbit Ears Pass and along Highway 40, where travel may turn slick. For the valley floor, precipitation may begin as a brief rain-snow mix before tapering by Saturday morning.
Friday’s high near 41°F will dip to 24°F as the storm arrives. Saturday remains mostly cloudy with a few lingering flurries and a high near 44°F, then skies clear rapidly by Sunday. The weekend closes sunny and cool, ideal for early holiday plans or outdoor shopping as December settles in.
Drivers heading east toward I-70 or mountain passes should allow extra travel time late Friday and early Saturday. Freezing conditions overnight could create icy patches even after snowfall ends.
Five-Day Outlook (Grand Junction Metro):
- Friday: Cloudy, high 41°F, 30% chance snow late.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high 44°F, flurries early.
- Sunday: Sunny, high 44°F.
- Monday: Partly cloudy, high 45°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high 48°F.
