textproduct: Grand Junction

KEY MESSAGES

- Freezing temperatures are expected tonight over the southern valleys. A Freeze Warning is in effect.

- Additional measurable snow expected over the northern and central Colorado mountains Thursday evening into early Friday.

- Widespread freezing temperatures are expected Friday night. A Freeze Watch has been issued where vegetation is susceptible to freezing temperatures.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1030 PM MDT Wed Apr 1 2026

MORE ACTIVE WEATHER THURSDAY & FRIDAY:

We get a short break Thursday before the next trough...a colder system...moves through late Thursday through Friday. This system looks to bring another round of showers and thunderstorms to the area mainly Thursday afternoon into the overnight. The frontogenesis is particularly strong Thursday afternoon and evening so expect the focus for develop along that front. The focus for precipitation will be the northern and central mountains, as well as surrounding valleys. Snow levels will be lower with the cooler temperatures, especially after the frontal passage. Hazardous travel is possible at pass level Thursday night into Friday morning.

This system will also bring gusty winds with many valleys seeing gusts above 45 mph Thursday afternoon. Higher gusts are possible within the stronger storms. The Highway 40 corridor could see a quick change over to snow, and along with the wind, could make for potentially difficult travel.

FREEZING TEMPERATURES:

As the next system exits the region, colder air settles into the forecast area. As previously discussed, the growing season has started for many locations. Some of those locations have high chances of dropping below freezing. Those chances are more borderline for portions of southwest Colorado and southeast Utah. The one issue with this forecast is cloud cover, which would keep temperatures warmer than suggested. If those clouds were to clear the chances for freezing temperatures increase. As a result, a Freeze Warning has been issued for areas most susceptible to sub freezing temperatures. On Friday night, the chances for clear skies is much high, so confidence is better for seeing widespread freezing temperatures. Temperatures moderate slightly going into Saturday night, so not as many locations are going see those freezing temperatures. Remain vigilant in protecting susceptible vegetation for the next few nights.

LOOKING AHEAD:

Temperatures rebound above normal this weekend as weak high pressure builds back in. Models keep things on the progressive side, likely sending a few clouds across the region, but little in the way of precipitation at the moment. Temperatures climb back up around 10 degrees over normal early next week.

AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z FRIDAY/

Issued at 1124 AM MDT Thu Apr 2 2026

Gusty winds are expected today ahead of a cold front that sweeps through the area this afternoon and evening. Showers and storms are expected along the front with gusts up to 50 mph possible. The showers main change from rain to snow at a few sites and result in IFR/MVFR conditions overnight. Showers come to an end by sunrise and cigs should scatter out late morning. LLWS will also be common for KASE and KTEX due to the stronger winds.

GJT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

CO...Wind Advisory until 9 PM MDT this evening for COZ001-002- 005>008-011-020-021. Freeze Warning from midnight tonight to 10 AM MDT Friday for COZ001-006>008-011-020>023. UT...Wind Advisory until 9 PM MDT this evening for UTZ024-027-029. Freeze Warning from midnight tonight to 10 AM MDT Friday for UTZ024-027-029.