textproduct: Grand Junction

KEY MESSAGES

- Sub-freezing temperatures are expected in some valleys this morning along and north of I-70, and expect a widespread hard freeze across the region Friday night.

- A cold front moving through the area will bring rain and snow tonight and tomorrow. Expect snow accumulations in the mountains with less possible the valleys. - Warm weather builds back in this weekend into early next week with a return of unseasonably warm temperatures.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1025 PM MDT Thu Apr 16 2026

As a result of the shortwave trough and modest cold front that is traversing the region overnight, we will see the continuation of showers throughout the region as this front begins to exit the region through the day. The dropping temperatures behind the front will support a rapid change over to snow. This along with wind could end up causing reduced visibility and icy roadways where precipitation has accumulated through the early morning hours. Be careful as you go out in the morning. Precipitation chances begin to decrease from west to east mainly after sunrise. However, due to orographic lifting, snow showers will continue through the afternoon along the the northern and western sides of the higher terrain leading to additional localized accumulations. Aside from the locations seeing additional precipitation due to orographic lift, everywhere else will be dry for the rest of Friday. High temperatures will be cooler than what we have seen the past week, with many locations struggling to reach 40F. The cold air mass that is giving us these cool temperatures will remain in the area Friday night into Saturday, and hence Freeze Warnings are currently in effect for this time period. For most of the CWA, there is a 90% chance minimum temperatures for Saturday will be less than 25F. Considering a hard freeze is likely for all Colorado valleys, take steps to protect tender plants from the cold and take precautions to protect outdoor plumbing. All things considered, generally clear skies and light winds for Saturday will cause temps to warm throughout the day to highs in the 50-60F range for most valley locations.

SUNDAY AND BEYOND:

Looking forward, a ridge of high pressure begins to build back in for the weekend and early next week which will bring unseasonably warm temperatures back to the area. There is a chance (30%) that the mountains will see afternoon showers on Monday as a result of moisture brought in by a return flow mechanism. There appears to be another low pressure system building over the northern Pacific Ocean early next week which could bring us some moisture later in the week, but there are a lot of uncertainties with this system at the moment.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z SATURDAY/

Issued at 1152 PM MDT Thu Apr 16 2026

A passing frontal boundary will bring gusty winds and breakpoint conditions to terminals tonight and Friday morning. Snow showers will primarily impact terminals north of the highway 50 corridor, with a glancing blow to the northern San Juans down to KTEX. Conditions will gradually improve Friday afternoon west to east, with most terminals returning to VFR conditions by Friday evening. Some lingering cloud cover could hang up along the Divide, so wouldn't be surprised to see KASE and KEGE stay in lower ceilings after everyone else clears out.

GJT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

CO...Freeze Warning until 10 AM MDT Friday for COZ001-002-007-008. Freeze Warning from midnight Friday night to 10 AM MDT Saturday for COZ001-002-006>008-011-020>023. UT...Freeze Warning until 10 AM MDT Friday for UTZ024. Freeze Warning from midnight Friday night to 10 AM MDT Saturday for UTZ022-024-027-029.