Colorado – Frost clings to rooftops at sunrise, breath hangs in the air, and car doors feel stiff to the touch. By afternoon, jackets come off as sunshine quickly wins. That sharp daily swing defines the next stretch of winter weather across western Colorado, with freezing mornings giving way to mild afternoons through Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, clear skies and dry air dominate the region through the end of the workweek. Morning lows settle in the mid-20s each day, while afternoon highs rebound into the upper 40s and lower 50s. Winds stay light, allowing cold air to pool overnight before temperatures climb rapidly after sunrise.
In Grand Junction, commuters heading out early should watch for frost on windshields and slick patches on shaded roads, especially bridges and elevated surfaces. While no snow is expected, repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles can create brief traction issues during the morning drive. Conditions improve quickly by late morning as pavement dries under strong January sun.
Thursday and Friday remain bright and calm, ideal for travel and outdoor plans once temperatures rise. To be fair, the contrast can be deceptive. Early starts feel biting, but afternoons turn comfortably cool. Dress in layers and allow extra time to warm vehicles before heading out.
Looking into the weekend, similar conditions persist. Highs hover near the upper 40s Saturday and around 50 Sunday, with clear nights and continued freezing lows. Meteorologists are also tracking a broader pattern shift late next week, with Jan. 19–23 bringing increased precipitation chances across parts of the central U.S. while the Southwest, including Colorado, trends warmer than normal.
For now, winter in western Colorado offers calm skies and dramatic temperature swings. How cold did it feel in your neighborhood this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for Grand Junction, CO
• Today: Sunny, high near 51.
• Thursday: Sunny, high near 51.
• Friday: Sunny, high near 49.
• Saturday: Sunny, high near 49.
• Sunday: Sunny, high near 50.
