Tropical moisture fuels 45 mph gusts and a 15 degree plunge in southern Colorado

Scattered showers dotted the Pikes Peak Region, Pueblo County, and the eastern plains on Thursday evening, but the weather pattern was only beginning to shift. Overnight lows across most of southern Colorado settled into the 40s and 50s, setting the stage for a dramatic change in conditions by the weekend.

The shift arrives with a cold front expected to cross the state early Saturday. Meteorologists project that this system will lower temperatures by 10 to 15 degrees, pushing regional highs below seasonal averages. The front also brings a strengthening of winds, with gusts forecast to reach 40 to 45 mph across the area.

Precipitation levels will vary by location. Total accumulations across the region could range from 0.10 inches to 0.75 inches. Tropical moisture is shifting eastward to deliver this rain, which may include cold rain and potentially some snow in higher elevations.

Colorado Springs residents will see a Friday low of 51 and a high of 73, which remains warmer than average. A few showers are possible early in the morning, followed by a drier afternoon with sunshine. Pueblo is forecast to reach a high of 81 with a low of 55, experiencing on-and-off showers through the day and into the evening.

Other areas show different patterns. Canon City is expected to hit 75 after a low of 54, with a brief lull in moisture by Friday afternoon. Woodland Park will see a low of 43 and a high of 56, remaining above seasonal averages on Friday with intermittent showers. On the plains, temperatures will range from a low of 60 to a high of 83, with a few stray showers possible.

Conditions in the western part of the state remain more hazardous. The San Juan Mountains and the southwestern corner of the state are set to continue receiving heavy rainfall. Flood watches, severe thunderstorm watches, and a handful of flood warnings were in effect across that region. Heavy rain and flood risk are expected to persist into Friday and through the weekend, with snow levels likely to drop once the cold front passes.

The extended outlook indicates that winds will continue to strengthen through the weekend. After the precipitation and temperature drop, forecasters expect next week to dry out, with temperatures returning to more seasonal levels.