textproduct: Grand Junction

KEY MESSAGES

- Freezing temperatures are expected tonight for most valleys, and again Saturday night for a few less valleys.

- Drier and warmer conditions are expected this weekend.

- Chances are increasing of more widespread precipitation across the region mid to late next week.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1057 AM MDT Fri Apr 3 2026

SNOW SHOWERS

Wrap around moisture from the closed low pressure over the High Plains is advecting into the northern and central mountains. This moisture and orographic lift has resulted in scattered snow showers. In general the rates will be light, but the highest elevations could see 1-4 inches by this evening. Quiet conditions are expected elsewhere.

FREEZING TEMPERATURES

The post frontal airmass has settled into the region, so highs today actually end up cooler than normal. Tonight mostly clear skies and drier low level air will support sub freezing temperatures once again for most valleys. Temperatures will begin to moderate so some of the lower or desert valleys look to stay above freezing Saturday night. Higher valleys are still expected to have another freeze. By Sunday night that area shrinks to just a few valleys.

WARM RETURNS

This weekend temperatures rebound above normal as high pressure builds back over the region. Early next week a brief period of southwest flow could advect moisture back to the area. There are hints of a subtle wave approaching from the west that will flatten the ridge. It may also provide lift for showers especially across the south on Monday and perhaps Tuesday. The pattern appears to stay progressive next week, so we may be dealing with more widespread precipitation across the region.

AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SATURDAY/

Issued at 1131 AM MDT Fri Apr 3 2026

VFR conditions will prevail for most terminals this afternoon. A few low to mid clouds will form on the mountains, but breakpoint ceilings are not expected. One exception: up north KHDN will see some wraparound moisture from the departing storm continue this afternoon with near breakpoint ceilings during intermittent shower activity. This will pull out by this evening and skies will begin to clear by early Saturday morning. Winds will pick up this afternoon around the region with some stronger 20-30 mph gusts at a few terminals. Winds settle at dark and return to diurnal cycles.

GJT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

CO...Freeze Warning from midnight tonight to 10 AM MDT Saturday for COZ001-006>008-011-020>023. Freeze Watch from late Saturday night through Sunday morning for COZ001-007-008-011-020>023. UT...Freeze Warning from midnight tonight to 10 AM MDT Saturday for UTZ022-024-027-029. Freeze Watch from late Saturday night through Sunday morning for UTZ024.