Pueblo, CO – An extreme cold warning remains in effect until 11 a.m. Sunday for high-elevation areas of Colorado, with wind chills plunging to 50 degrees below zero. A subsequent extreme cold watch is in place from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning, potentially bringing similarly dangerous conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, the affected regions include the Eastern Sawatch Mountains and Western Mosquito Range above 11,000 feet, covering areas like Climax and Bonanza. Wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
While temperatures are expected to improve slightly after Sunday afternoon, wind chill values could still drop to 30 below zero, posing frostbite risks within 15 minutes of exposure.
Residents are urged to dress in layers, including hats, gloves, and face coverings, and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure. Pets should also be kept indoors.
The National Weather Service warns that colder readings are possible above timberline, emphasizing the need for extreme caution. Travelers and hikers are advised to monitor local updates and prepare for severe conditions in Colorado’s high country.