Summit County Citizens Voice

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A Quandary Peak pika enjoys some sunny weather recently on his rocky ledge.

Frost likely Saturday morning; local, regional fire danger ‘very high’

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — A cold front passing to the north has lost its southward momentum right along the I-70 corridor, where some mid-level clouds will linger with just a slight chance of showers Friday morning until drier air moves in during the afternoon. Even though the surface front has stalled, cooler air will filter in during the day, with temperatures remaining well below yesterday’s afternoon warmth.

The forecast high Friday is just 50 degrees, well below the average for the day, which is 66 degrees. The record high for Sept. 10 is 78 degrees, set in 1917; the record low is 15 degrees, set in 1932.

It won’t be anywhere near that cold tonight, but the cold front will usher in some freezing temperatures across parts of northwest Colorado, especially in high altitude valleys with poor drainage (think Summit Cove) where the frosty air will pool and settle. In fact, lows the next several nights are forecast to linger in the low 30s, very close to average.

By Saturday, we’ll be back in a warming trend, with temperatures climbing each day through at least the middle of next week, reaching average to above-average levels, so look for highs to climb back into the upper 60s, and maybe even a few more days of low 70-degree readings.

Another red flag warning has been issued for parts of the northern Front Range, extending all the way up along the I-70 corridor to Clear Creek County and on to the northeastern plains. Gusty winds in the afternoon will once again increase the fire danger and make life more difficult for the firefighters battling the Fourmile Canyon blaze near Boulder.

The fire danger in Summit County is also rated as “very high,” which means fires can spread quickly through different types of fuel and climb into the crowns of trees, creating very dangerous conditions. Campers and other backcountry visitors, including off-roaders, need to be very cautious with any possible ignition sources.

Little change is expected in the medium-range outlook, with above average temperatures and below normal precipitation forecast for the next couple of weeks. The 60-day outlook is calling for near-average conditions.

Click here for a seasonal La Niña outlook.

Filed under: Summit County Colorado, Summit County snow and weather Tagged: | Cold front, Colorado, Fourmile Canyon, Front Range, Red flag warning