Denver, CO – A colder and stormier pattern is developing across the Rocky Mountain region as November comes to a close, bringing increased chances for snow, deep overnight cold, and multiple travel-impacting systems through the first week of December.
According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, temperatures from Nov. 29 through Dec. 5 are expected to run well below normal across the Rockies — especially in Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and northern Colorado. Some locations in the Northern Rockies may see overnight lows in the single digits to teens, cold enough to support accumulating snow even from weaker systems.
NOAA’s precipitation outlook also highlights a broad region of above-normal precipitation over the Rockies and Intermountain West. This suggests a steady wave of disturbances may move through next week, delivering periods of mountain snow, valley snow or mix, and cold rain in lower elevations.
Heavier snow is possible across higher terrain including the Tetons, Wasatch Range, San Juan Mountains, the Front Range, and Montana’s high country. Mountain passes such as I-70 through Colorado, I-90 in Montana, and I-80 in Wyoming could experience slick roads, blowing snow, and reduced visibility, especially during overnight hours.
Major cities including Denver, Salt Lake City, Boise, Colorado Springs, Billings, and Cheyenne may see a mix of cold rain and wet snow, depending on storm track and elevation. Northern cities stand the best chance for accumulating snow, while southern Rockies metros may see more variable precipitation.
Forecasters emphasize this is a pattern signal, not one major storm — but the repeated disturbances could create ongoing travel impacts, particularly for mountain travel and early December ski traffic.
Residents across the Rockies should monitor local forecasts closely as colder air deepens and snow chances rise.
