In a very brief period of time the forecast for the next 48 hours has changed considerably.  The latest data indicates Thornton and the Colorado Front Range may be receiving a healthy dose of snow starting Thursday afternoon and lasting into Friday.

Abundant moisture streaming in from the Pacific coupled with a series of cold fronts stands to bring a wintry blast to the area.  While the arrival is still a good ways out and much could change between now and when it gets here, the potential for a significant snow event exists.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Denver metro area and western plains.  In effect from 3:00 p.m. Thursday through 3:00 p.m. Friday, the watch cautions that heavy snow will be possible.

Total forecast amounts are in the 3 to 6 inch range for the Denver area and 5 to 10 inches in the foothills.  Bands of heavier snowfall are possible and could serve to drive those totals up.  The Weather Prediction Center is giving at least a 40% chance of snowfall greater than or equal to 4 inches in our area.

The arrival later in the day Thursday should help to mitigate impacts to tomorrow’s commute home.  However if this pans out as forecast, Friday morning’s drive to work may be a rough one.

With those forecast snowfall amounts comes the caveat that there is the possibility for less snowfall than mentioned above.  A strong jet is overhead and while we expect upslope winds to help create a sustained snow event, should downslope flow prevail amounts will decrease.

Be sure to monitor our Winter Weather Briefing Page for all the latest with the coming storm.  Also, if you haven’t already, be sure to ‘like’ us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and add us to your Google+ circles.