10:00 AM MST, Sunday, December 21, 2014

Winter arrives at 4:03 PM MST, and it will feel and look like the winter season in the mountains and valleys of western Colorado and Wyoming.

Heavy snow and blowing snow (1-2 feet) are likely to impact travel throughout the region, but especially from I-70 north into south-central Wyoming. Even along the Front Range, snow and blowing snow will be common near the continental  divide (mainly west of Peak-to-Peak Hwy). Winds gusts in the 50-70 mph range will create cold wind chills around Brainard Lake and Rocky Mountain Park.

The lower foothills and plains of eastern Colorado and southeastern Wyoming will have a mild day but with west/northwest wind gusts of 30-50 mph in some areas this afternoon. For this evening and Monday winds will become more north-northwest and there is a chance for some snow. The snow is likely to organize in northwest-southeast bands. Many areas from the lower foothills eastward will probably get little or nothing, while a few areas should see 1-2 inches.

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas it might end up being just s dream along the Front Range and eastern plains. In fact it looks like we may be in mild chinook winds late Christmas Eve into Christmas morning. A cold front later on Christmas Day will bring only a small chance for snow.  Light snow is likely near and west of the continental divide.