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A blast of very strong winds will continue to impact the Denver area and Front Range foothills. Here’s what’s causing the powerful wind gusts.
DENVER — Powerful wind gusts will continue to rip through Colorado on Monday, especially across the Denver metro area and Front Range foothills.
A High Wind Warning is in effect through 6 a.m. Tuesday for Colorado’s Front Range foothills, and until midnight Monday for near the foothills. The National Weather Service said strong winds, with average gusts from 65 to 75 mph, are forecast to continue throughout Monday.
A 90 mph gust was reported at Mesa Laboratory in Boulder and the National Weather Service reported a 75 mph wind gust at Centennial Airport Monday morning.
Why is Denver so windy?
A very strong area of low pressure, one that is also likely to fuel a significant severe weather threat across parts of Oklahoma and Kansas on Monday, is largely responsible for the wind in Colorado, according to 9NEWS meteorologist Chris Bianchi.
Bianchi said the jet stream is roaring overhead with winds in the upper levels of the atmosphere well over 100 mph, and some of those strong winds are mixing down towards the surface.
Colorado’s foothills essentially serve as a slide for those winds, allowing them to accelerate and maximize.
This is known as a bora wind, or essentially a cold wind. The source of the air is so cold that despite the downsloping (warming and drying) process that typically makes our wind a warm one, it feels extra cold, Bianchi said.
Hundreds of flights have been delayed or canceled at Denver International Airport on Monday because of the winds. Airport officials said travelers should check with their airlines for the latest flight information.
A Monday night concert by Hippo Campus at Red Rocks Amphitheatre has been canceled.
Loose objects should be secured and commuters need to drive with caution. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Watch for winds to cause downed tree limbs and power lines.
Southbound Interstate 25 was closed at 58th Avenue in Denver Monday morning because of a downed overhead sign pole. Adams County Fire said its crews had to cut off about 3 feet of the pole so cars could pass. The interstate has reopened.
Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches will be in place for the San Luis Valley and southern portions of the Front Range and eastern plains Monday. These areas should watch for strong winds, paired with very dry air, to increase fire danger.
Across the Western Slope and high country, Winter Weather Advisories will be in place for the central and northern mountains through Monday evening. Most areas can expect between 3 to 14 inches of new snow, but the gusty winds will be the biggest impact. Watch for blowing snow to reduce road visibility and cause hazardous travel.
Monday and Tuesday, the Front Range will stay mostly dry, with light in-and-out cloud cover and very gusty winds. Afternoon highs drop into the lower 60s, both days. Mountain snow showers continue to the west.
Wednesday will be a day of transition. Winds calm down a bit, highs stay in the lower 60s, followed by increasing midday cloud cover.
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The 9NEWS Weather team of Kathy Sabine, Cory Reppenhagen, Laurann Robinson, Keely Chalmers, Ed Greene and Chris Bianchi update the Denver weather forecast multiple times each day. Bookmark this link to always have the latest forecast from 9NEWS. The team values your local weather reports and often features your photos and videos during weather segments in all newscasts.
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