Grand Junction and surrounding Western Colorado can expect a mostly dry start to the weekend, but the forecast indicates increasing chances for rain by Sunday and into early next week. Local forecasters are advising residents to be aware of the potential for scattered showers and thunderstorms, with a heightened risk of heavy rain and flash flooding in certain areas, particularly as Monday approaches.
This evening, skies over Western Colorado are expected to be mostly clear to partly cloudy. While a stray shower or thunderstorm remains possible, most areas should remain dry. Saturday will continue this trend, with partly cloudy conditions. Forecasters note a stray shower or thunderstorm could develop, especially during the afternoon and evening hours, but the majority of the region is anticipated to stay dry throughout the day. Morning low temperatures across the region are predicted to be about 61 degrees in Grand Junction, 56 degrees in Montrose, 58 degrees in Delta, 52 degrees in Cortez, and 69 degrees in Moab. Temperatures are expected to climb to the low to mid-80s around noon, with afternoon highs reaching approximately 91 degrees in Grand Junction, 89 degrees in Montrose, 92 degrees in Delta, 88 degrees in Cortez, and 94 degrees in Moab.
The weather pattern shifts significantly by Sunday, bringing a better chance of precipitation to Western Colorado. Forecasters are predicting a 40% chance of rain for much of the region. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible throughout the day, though the increased coverage is expected primarily during the afternoon and evening hours. This period of unsettled weather may extend into Sunday night and early Monday morning, with some showers and thunderstorms persisting overnight.
Monday is expected to bring another round of showers and thunderstorms, with forecasters indicating a 50% chance of rain for most of Western Colorado. This day is anticipated to see the majority of the weekend's accumulated rainfall. Looking further ahead, more rain is possible on Tuesday and Wednesday, although the current chances for precipitation on those days are not as high as for Sunday and Monday.
Accumulated rainfall totals through Monday are forecasted to range from 0.25 to 0.50 inches for the valleys and 0.50 to 1.00 inch for higher elevations. The bulk of this rain is expected to fall on Monday. Importantly, some of the anticipated storms could bring heavy rainfall, with rates potentially exceeding an inch per hour. Such intense downpours can lead to flash flooding. Areas most vulnerable to flash flooding include creeks, streams, rivers, canyons, and burn scars. Residents planning to spend time near these locations are urged to remain weather-aware and ensure they have a reliable way to receive emergency alerts.
