Colorado's weather is about to take a sharp turn as the month of March kicks off with powerful storms sweeping through the region. Starting Monday afternoon, March 3, 2025, residents across the state should prepare for blizzard conditions, heavy snowfall, and gusty winds. The National Weather Service has issued various alerts, including blizzard and winter storm warnings, signaling significant disruptions across parts of Colorado.
The oncoming storm system, described as powerful and chaotic, will impact mainly the mountainous areas and eastern plains, where significant snowfall and wind gusts up to 70 mph are predicted. The 9NEWS Weather Impact Team has released alerts emphasizing the potential hazards associated with this weather system, particularly during the overnight hours from Monday night to Tuesday morning.
According to the forecast, storm activity will initiate with rain transitioning to snow late Monday evening. Travel conditions are expected to be treacherous, especially along major highways such as Interstate 70 and Interstate 25, where blizzard conditions could severely reduce visibility to near zero due to strong winds and heavy snowfall.
The conditions can be particularly severe for the eastern plains, prompting blizzard warnings from 11 p.m. on Monday through 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Snow accumulations of 2 to 8 inches are expected across areas like Elbert County and the northeastern plains. Wind gusts might range from 40 to 65 mph during this time, affecting travel on highways like Highway 86 from Castle Rock to Limon. Major impacts are also anticipated along Interstate 70 from Denver International Airport to the Kansas state line.
Meanwhile, the mountains will face heavy snow, particularly around the Front Range, where 8 to 18 inches could accumulate by Tuesday night. Areas like Berthoud Pass, Eisenhower/Johnson tunnels, and Loveland Pass are highlights for heavy snow, complicing travel plans and posing risks for motorists. Passes could experience winds between 30 to 45 mph, decreasing visibility and creating hazardous conditions.
Travelers are warned to reconsider any journeys planned for late Monday and Tuesday morning. The forecast indicates snow and rain beginning around 4 p.m. Monday, with heavy snow expected to settle by early Tuesday morning. Coloradan's are urged to be extra cautious, especially at higher elevations where white-out conditions may lead to severe travel disruptions.
Specific forecasts indicate varied impacts across different regions. For example, snowfall totals for the Denver metro area are expected to be modest, with 1 to 2 inches of snow anticipated by early Tuesday. Similar patterns are expected northward along the I-25 corridor, with Fort Collins and Greeley seeing little to no accumulation amid high wind alerts.
The winter weather will likely persist with more systems approaching later this week. The conditions will fluctuate, with the midweek forecast showing slightly warmer temperatures before another potential storm system brings mixed precipitation, including rain and snow again on Thursday night and Friday.
Residents can look forward to highs for Tuesday around 45 degrees, dropping to the 30s and 40s as the week continues. Snowfall is expected to taper off by mid-afternoon on Tuesday, with skies gradually clearing overnight. The calm after this storm will be brief, as the forecast hints at the possibility of more inclement weather on the horizon.
January's mild temperatures will revert after the storm moves out, with increasing winds and colder air filtering through the state. Changes also indicate shifting weather patterns leading to warmer temperatures returning over the weekend.
The upcoming storm marks the transition to more active weather patterns typical for springtime—a reminder for Coloradans to stay prepared and heed weather alerts.