Bitter cold temperatures blast the Rockies this weekend, with moisture most prevalent on the eastern Divide. Higher moisture totals might land in Colorado near the Front Range by Saturday morning. The extended forecast looks optimistic for a pattern change possible by January 25th.

An upper-level ridge of high-pressure will continue to amplify on Tues before weakening on Weds as a Pacific trough and associated cold front begins to enter Western Canada. This storm unfortunately lacks moisture, so light amounts in the 5 – 10 are likely by Fri AM. As the front moves through, an arctic airmass descends, bringing the coldest temps we have seen so far this season for next weekend.

A series of weaker storms will track across the Great Lakes and Northeast this week, resulting in consistent snow showers that will add up to sneaky good totals over time from Michigan to Vermont. The West will enter a dry period overall, with light snow for the Rockies expected at the end of the week as an arctic cold front moves through.