Cold front brings 45 mph gusts and rain to southern Colorado

Residents in southern Colorado should brace for a sharp shift in weather this weekend. A cold front is set to cross the state early Saturday, dropping temperatures by 10 to 15 degrees below average. Strong winds will accompany the front, with gusts reaching 40 to 45 mph across the region.

The temperature drop will affect daily routines for drivers and outdoor workers. In Colorado Springs, Friday is forecast to start warm with a high of 73 degrees, but the front will push that down by weekend. Woodland Park will see a high of just 56 degrees on Friday, staying above seasonal norms before the cooler air arrives. The plains are expected to hit 83 degrees on Friday, a significant contrast to the chill that follows the frontal passage.

Rainfall totals vary by location. Accumulations across the area could range from 0.10 inches to 0.75 inches. The San Juan Mountains and the southwestern corner of the state are facing the most hazardous conditions. Heavy rainfall there continues to pose risks for flooding and mudslides. Flood watches and severe thunderstorm watches remained in effect for those western areas on Thursday.

Pueblo and surrounding areas will experience on and off showers through Friday. The city is expected to reach a high of 81 degrees on Friday before the front moves in. Canon City, with a high of 75 degrees, may see a brief lull in moisture by Friday afternoon. That pause is expected to end when new moisture arrives Friday night and continues into the weekend.

Snow levels are likely to drop as the cold front passes. This change could bring snow to higher elevations in the Pikes Peak Region and western slope. On the eastern plains, temperatures will fall and winds will strengthen, potentially delivering decent rainfall over the weekend. Forecasters expect the region to dry out next week, with temperatures returning to more seasonal levels.