Grand Junction, CO – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Junction has issued a Freeze Watch for much of western Colorado, warning of sub-freezing temperatures possible from late Thursday night through Friday morning (October 16–17, 2025).
According to the NWS, temperatures could fall as low as 28°F in several areas, including the Yampa River Basin, Central Colorado River Basin, and San Juan River Basin. Cities under the watch include Rifle, Steamboat Springs, Cortez, Durango, Pagosa Springs, and Eagle.
Forecasters said the cold spell could bring widespread frost and potentially damage crops, gardens, and exposed outdoor plumbing. Residents are urged to cover or bring indoors any sensitive plants and drain sprinkler systems ahead of Thursday night’s freeze.
The Freeze Watch covers a broad portion of western and southwestern Colorado—from the Four Corners region up through the Yampa Valley—as cooler, dry air moves into the region following midweek weather shifts.
NWS meteorologists will continue to monitor temperatures and may upgrade the alert to a Freeze Warning if colder overnight lows are confirmed.
