Today, December 1, is the first day of "Meteorological Winter". Unlike the traditional seasons, based on the solstices and equinoxes, meteorologists name the seasons in three-month increments, so "winter" is December, January and February.

According to recent data from the Climate Prediction Center, CPC, La Niña is in full swing, with good chances of it staying in place through March 2021. Here's a look at what this might portend with our average Colorado weather this winter. These are the latest climate maps for the next month, from the CPC.​

It's looking like a mixed bag of weather across the foothills, the Denver metro and the adjacent plains for the upcoming holiday weekend. Some precipitation will be possible, but no big storm systems are expected. It looks like a pretty warm Saturday, followed by cooler temperatures Sunday and Memorial Day. Overall, the rainfall potential doesn't look too impressive, so you may be able to fit in some outdoor activities off and on, but you'll want to watch the skies. Remember, lightning is one of the biggest weather dangers this time of year, and we're expecting some throughout the weekend. So if you'll be hiking, biking or just enjoying the outdoors, keep the "30 Second Lightning Safety Rule" in mind. Thunderstorms and showers will continue to be at least a possibility Sunday and Monday as well, along with fairly cool temperatures.

Wednesday April 15, 2020 - By Meteorologist Steve Hamilton

So, How Much Snow?

That's a tough question to answer right now, unfortunately. The forecast models are not lining up, even though this system appears similar to the last one. To put it simply, it doesn't seem like this will be a major two-footer for our area. Accumulations may end up between 3 and 8 inches for most areas, with lesser amounts for Denver.

 A cold front is still expected to descend into Colorado from the Northern Rockies. We're seeing some snowfall in the northern mountains already, but this doesn't have much to do with the incoming front. It's more related to the current Jet Stream pattern, which has caused some "lifting" (pulling air up from the surface), and thus, some snowfall and gusty wind.

Looking at the front that's on the way, it should arrive over Colorado by this evening. Readings from further north show gusty wind behind the front, as is usually the case. We can expect that over the Front Range Foothills by this evening. Wind should be out of the north or northeast.