Afternoon Forecast:
This morning the sun rose under mostly clear conditions but that has quickly changed as low-level clouds have formed in southern Colorado. Peaks of sunshine today will warm us to below average temperatures, in the 70s and 80s for the front range and the plains, and to the 60s and 70s in mountain valleys. Showers will expand from the mountains to the Plains today, with enough energy for possible severe thunderstorms. All forms of severe weather are possible today, with large hail, strong wind gusts, and a low tornado threat. The strongest storms will be along the Palmer Divide east to I-70 and then into northern Colorado. But, our area is likely to see some activity this evening, beginning as soon as 3-4 pm along I-25, continuing through dinner time.
COLORADO SPRINGS: High – 76; Low - 53. Cooler than average today, to the mid-70s. It won't be the best pool day, with clouds and thunderstorms likely. The northeastern corner of El Paso county has the higher chance of severe thunderstorms today, but hail and heavy rain is possible for all of the Pikes Peak region. Expect the storms to begin after lunch and extend into the evening.
PUEBLO: High – 80; Low - 59. We get a break from the heat in Pueblo today, but an increased chance for thunderstorms is what we get instead. Highs will reach the low 80s, with increasing clouds. Thunderstorms are possible after lunch, and some storms may be severe strength. Watch for damaging hail and flooded roadways if a storm moves through town. Tonight will be mild and humid, dropping to the upper 50s.
CANON CITY: High – 78; Low - 59. Temperatures will be quite comfortable today, to the upper 70s. The best time to get outside and take advantage of the cooler air will be this morning. Thunderstorms are possible as soon as lunch time, and will end this evening. Heavy rain will be the main threat for Canon City, but some storms may contain hail.
WOODLAND PARK: High – 67; Low - 48. Quite cool today, to the upper 60s. This cool air will limit the severe weather threat a bit for Woodland Park, but we still have enough support in the atmosphere for some heavy rain and lightning. Hail will be possible, but likely non-severe small sized. Tonight will be partly cloudy, dropping to the upper 40s.
TRI-LAKES: High – 70s; Low - 50s. Watching for strong storms this afternoon, from Monument Hill to the Palmer Divide. The terrain will give an extra boost to thunderstorms, given that temperatures will be cooler and won't boost development from heating alone. Hail is possible today, as well as strong wind gusts, and even an isolated tornado is possible. The tornado threat is higher northeast, towards I-70. Expect thunderstorms around 2-3 pm.
PLAINS: High – 80s; Low - 50s. Mountain and front range thunderstorms will push east this evening. Ample moisture and energy will support thunderstorms to mature as they move into the Plains. Watch for hail and strong winds today. The tornado threat is low, but a spin-up is possible. Temperatures will be in the 80s this afternoon with mostly cloudy conditions.
WALSENBURG/TRINIDAD: High – 70s; Low - 50s. Cooler today, with highs in the 70s and mostly cloudy conditions. Showers and thunderstorms are trending earlier for far southern Colorado today. Forecast trends have storm development in the late morning and early lunch hour. We will watch for burn scar flooding today, as well as hail potential as storms move from I-25 into eastern Las Animas county.
EXTENDED OUTLOOK: Sunday will be 5-10 degrees warmer, with thunderstorms still possible in the afternoon. Rain chances last until Monday for some. Tuesday is trending dry and hot for our area. The rest of next week willl be warm, with rain chances returning for the later half of the week.
