Colorado hit by snowstorm: May snowfall closes schools across the state

Colorado is experiencing a dramatic shift in weather, from warm sunshine to heavy snowfall before returning to summer warmth, writes The Washington PostDue to a sharp weather change in the state on May 6, many schools were closed, reports CBS News.

After daytime temperatures rose above 70°F (20°C) on May 4, significant May snowfall—possibly the heaviest in 20 years—is forecast for Denver and the surrounding areas from the evening of May 5 through the day of May 6. This is especially noteworthy for a region facing extreme drought and historically low snowpack. Following this heavy precipitation, temperatures will return to around 70°F (20°C) by the end of the week.

As of the morning of May 5, winter storm warnings were in effect for parts of Wyoming and Colorado, with the National Weather Service warning of sleet accumulations of up to 70-80 cm in Rocky Mountain National Park, especially at elevations above approximately 2500 meters. This could cause downed power lines and trees already covered in spring foliage.

On the subject: A cyclone bomb brought piercing cold and snow to the Southeastern United States, as volunteers in Florida collected frozen iguanas.

In Denver, this storm is capable of bringing 10 to 20 cm of rainfall in the form of sleet. Since 2000, there have been five May snowfalls that have dumped at least 7,5 cm of snow, the most recent of which occurred in 2019. This late-season storm is occurring amid conditions where Colorado has experienced a precipitation deficit of approximately 42% since November.

Where, when and how much snow will fall

Denver

Rain is expected to turn to snow on the evening of May 5. Temperatures will remain between 1,5°C and 4°C, so the snow may initially melt on the ground. However, after sunset, temperatures will cool, intensifying the precipitation. By the time the snowfall ends on the afternoon of May 6, the snow cover will reach 10-20 cm.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs will see lighter snowfall than areas to the north and west. Temperatures near 0°C (32°F) and moderate snow on the morning of May 6 will lead to challenging driving conditions. After the snowfall ends, 7,5 to 15 cm (3 to 6 inches) of precipitation is likely during the day on May 6.

Fort Collins, Colorado

Significant snowfall is expected: more than 12,5 cm of wet snow will create a risk of fallen trees and power outages from the evening of May 5 to May 6. By the evening of May 5, temperatures will drop to approximately 1,5–4°C. Snow depth will reach 12,5 to 25 cm.

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Cheyenne is expected to see steady snowfall on May 5th, with temperatures around 32°F (0°C). This is a dangerous combination for roads, as a layer of ice may form beneath the snow. By sunrise on May 6th, 5–10 inches of heavy, wet snow will create beautiful views but could cause tree falls.

Components of a storm

Unusually cold air will spread across the Rocky Mountains from May 5th to 6th, creating conditions for this late-season storm. Above ground, warm, moist air will be drawn toward Colorado by an upper-air disturbance over California.

This warmer air will rise over the cold, dense air near the surface, creating conditions for updrafts that lead to cloud formation and snow. Snowfall will intensify further as the air begins to rise over the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.

This weather pattern is associated with an active subtropical jet stream, one of the first manifestations of the emerging El Niño in the Pacific Ocean.

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Many Colorado schools will close on Wednesday, May 6.

The state's largest school districts—Denver Public Schools, Aurora Public Schools, and Jefferson County Public Schools—announced classes were canceled due to inclement weather. Denver Public Schools announced that all school events on May 6 were canceled, with the exception of CHSSA-sanctioned competitions. Many districts also canceled classes, including Douglas County Schools and the Boulder Valley School District.

The Poudre School District in Northern Colorado was one of the first to announce closures due to this spring storm.

School districts that have announced closures for Wednesday, May 6:

• Aurora Public Schools
• Boulder Valley School District
• Briggsdale School District RE 10-J
• Clear Creek School District RE1
• Denver Public Schools
• Douglas County Schools
• Eaton School District RE-2
• Elbert School District #200
• Estes Park School District
• Gilpin County School District RE-1
• Greeley Evans School District 6
• Jefferson County Public Schools
• Littleton Public Schools
• Poudre School District
• Sheridan School District 2
• Thompson School District R2-J
• Weld RE-4 School District

The full list can be viewed on the website. CBSColorado.com.

Colorado State University will also be closed on May 6. The last day of classes there for the spring semester is May 8.

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