Late-season snowstorm to wallop Rockies as West faces spring weather whiplash
While winter's grasp may seem longer than usual this year, April is actually the snowiest month for several Western states.
Summer air departs Rockies ahead of major snowstorm
A significant late-season snowstorm is expected to bring high winds and as much as 1-2 feet of snow to the Rockies through Saturday. Winter Storm Watches and Winter Weather Advisories are in place for Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah.
DENVER – People in the Rocky Mountains are going on a weather roller coaster this week. A significant late-season snowstorm is expected to bring high winds and as much as 1-2 feet of snow to the Rockies through Saturday.
Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are in place for Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah.
(FOX Weather)
Snow headed for the lower Rocky Mountains was shown covering Highway 2 in Essex, Montana, on Wednesday.
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Snow covers Highway 2 in Essex, Montana on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
(NWS MIssoula/X)
Denver could see snowflakes by Thursday evening as a fast-moving area of low pressure swings in from the northwest and sends temperatures plummeting.
This area of low pressure, combined with the colder temperatures, will help bring rain and snow to higher elevations.
Hazy skies over Denver due to high winds, dust
High winds kicked up so much dust in the Denver area on Thursday, as seen in this video FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell shot during her flight.
The Mile High City could see a 30-degree temperature drop ahead of the winter storm, with the chance of accumulating snow by Friday. Salt Lake City, Utah, could see accumulations as well.
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(FOX Weather)
Snow will persist through Friday before the system begins to move into the Plains by Saturday afternoon.
Snow will reach the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico and San Francisco Peaks of Arizona by Friday. Flagstaff, Arizona, is forecast to drop into the upper teens Friday night.
Thundersnow is also not out of the question for eastern Colorado into Friday.
All told, parts of Colorado and Wyoming could see between 1 and 2 feet of snow.
(FOX Weather)
April snow is not unusual in the West
While winter's grasp may seem longer than usual this year, April is actually the snowiest month for several Western states.
Parts of Colorado, Wyoming and the Black Hills of South Dakota all see their greatest average snowfall in April.
Denver, Salt Lake City and Cheyenne, Wyoming, have all had their last recorded snow in June.
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(FOX Weather)