Mountain Secrets Blog

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.​

Colorado Mountain Weather Observing Systems to be Enhanced with Cameras
February 27, 2020 - Denver Metro Area

DENVER – The Colorado Division of Aeronautics and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announce plans to enhance the Division's network of 13 Mountain Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS) with real-time camera data. In addition to receiving accurate and certified weather information, pilots will soon have the ability to visually observe weather conditions high in the Colorado Rockies before they've even departed the airport.

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.