Satellite Shows Showers and Lightning Bubbling Over Colorado’s Mountains as Clouds Blanket Much of the State
Colorado – Clouds have spread across a large part of Colorado, and the latest satellite imagery reveals a few showers and lightning strikes, mainly over the mountains. While most of the activity is focused on the high country, the clouds stretch from northern Colorado all the way south into New Mexico, showing just how widespread the moisture is across the region.
Clouds Cover Much of Colorado
Satellite images show a large shield of clouds covering much of the state, from areas near Steamboat Springs and Fort Collins south through Glenwood Springs, Salida, and Alamosa, and down to Trinidad near the New Mexico border. The cloud cover also extends west toward Grand Junction and southwest toward Farmington, New Mexico.
Clearer skies were showing up in parts of southern Wyoming, near Rawlins, and across portions of the eastern plains of Colorado near Limon, where clouds were more scattered.
Lightning Mainly Over the Mountains
The satellite image shows lightning scattered across the mountains and western slope. Lightning strikes were detected near Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs, as well as across the central mountains between Glenwood Springs and Salida.
More lightning was showing up in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, along with areas near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains close to Alamosa. A few strikes were also seen in the foothills west of Denver and Colorado Springs, as well as in the high terrain of the Park Range east of Steamboat Springs.
Farther south, isolated lightning was also detected in northern New Mexico.
Showers Mostly Light and Scattered
The activity on satellite appears to be mostly scattered showers with some embedded thunderstorms. These types of storms are common in the mountains this time of year, especially in the afternoon when the sun heats the higher terrain and causes air to rise.
While most storms are not expected to be severe, they can still produce brief heavy rain, gusty winds, small hail, and frequent lightning.
Denver and the Front Range
Most of the activity was staying west of the Denver metro area and Colorado Springs, though a few showers and storms could drift off the foothills toward the Front Range urban corridor. Residents along the I-25 corridor may see some clouds, a few sprinkles, or a passing rumble of thunder, but widespread rain is not expected.
Lightning Safety in the High Country
Fall is a popular time to visit Colorado’s mountains, with hikers, hunters, campers, and leaf peepers heading into the high country. Lightning is one of the biggest dangers for anyone outdoors, especially above the treeline, where there is little shelter.
Anyone heading into the mountains should plan to be off ridges and peaks early in the day, before storms develop. If thunder is heard, it is time to head to a safer location. Lightning can strike miles away from the main storm, even when the sky overhead still looks clear.
Watch for Heavy Rain on Burn Scars
Even small storms can cause problems over burn scars. Areas that have recently burned can quickly produce flash flooding and debris flows during brief heavy rain. Residents and travelers near burn scars should stay alert and be ready to move to higher ground if heavy rain develops nearby.
Fall Colors on Display
The clouds and occasional showers come during a beautiful time of year in Colorado. Aspen trees are turning gold across many mountain areas, and the cooler fall air is settling in at higher elevations. Anyone heading out to see the colors should be prepared for changing weather, including rain, wind, and cooler temperatures in the afternoon.
A Bigger Change Coming
While the current storms are mostly isolated, forecasters are watching for a bigger pattern change heading into next weekend. A cooler air mass with wind is expected to arrive, and a stronger trough moving into the West could bring mountain snow to parts of the Rockies. Details are still being worked out, but residents should keep an eye on the forecast.
Stay Weather Aware
With scattered showers and lightning in the mountains, residents and visitors should keep checking the forecast and radar before heading outdoors. Mountain weather can change quickly, and being prepared can make a big difference.
For more Colorado weather updates and mountain forecasts, stay with bchssreport.com.