If you’ve lived in Denver for more than a week, you know the drill. One afternoon you're wearing shorts on a patio in LoDo, and by the next morning, you’re frantically digging a de-icer out of the junk drawer because a cold front literally fell off a cliff.
That’s basically the vibe for the denver co extended weather forecast right now. Honestly, it’s a mess of "maybe snow" and "definitely wind."
We are currently sitting in that weird mid-January pocket where the atmosphere is having a bit of an identity crisis. Today, January 15, 2026, we’re looking at a high near 58°F. That’s gorgeous. It’s the kind of weather that makes you forget we live at 5,280 feet. But don't get too comfortable. A cold front is screaming toward the northeast plains, and it’s bringing some pretty nasty guest stars.
What the Denver CO Extended Weather Forecast Actually Means for Your Weekend
The National Weather Service in Boulder has been tracking a shift that’s going to knock those 50-degree highs right out of the park by Friday. We’re talking about a drop to the low 40s or even upper 30s.
Wind is the real story here.
There’s a High Wind Watch for the areas just east of the city. We could see gusts hitting 60 mph or higher in the plains. Even in the metro area, it’s going to feel biting. If you have those lightweight plastic patio chairs? Maybe stack them. Seriously.
The 10-Day Breakdown (Sorta)
- Friday, Jan 16: The "Big Shift." Highs drop to 42°F. It’ll be cloudy, gray, and windy. There’s a tiny 10% chance of snow, but don't hold your breath for a winter wonderland.
- The Weekend (Jan 17-18): Saturday looks sunny but chilly with a high of 37°F. Sunday might tease us with a bit of light snow overnight, but the accumulation will likely be "barely covers the grass" levels.
- Early Next Week: We bounce back. By Tuesday, January 20, the forecast is calling for 54°F again.
It’s a seesaw. Up, down, up, down.
Why Does Denver’s Forecast Change So Fast?
It’s the mountains. It’s always the mountains.
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We’re dealing with what meteorologists call "downsloping winds." When air moves over the Rockies and drops down into the Mile High City, it compresses and warms up. That’s why we get those 60-degree days in the middle of January. But when that Pacific moisture gets cut off and a Canadian cold front slides south? Boom. Instant winter.
The Climate Prediction Center is currently watching a transition from a weak La Niña to "ENSO-neutral" conditions. Usually, La Niña means the northern Rockies get hammered while Denver stays a bit drier and warmer. This year, that’s held true. Denver International Airport has seen significantly less snow than average so far this season—barely 7 inches compared to the usual 20+ inches we should have by now.
Is a "Big One" Coming?
Most people look at the denver co extended weather forecast hoping for a massive blizzard to justify staying inside with hot cocoa.
I’ve got bad news for the snow bunnies: the long-range outlook through February 2026 is leaning toward "above normal" temperatures. That doesn't mean it won't snow. It just means when it does, it’ll probably melt in 48 hours.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac and NOAA are both hinting at a "mild and wet" late winter. This is actually pretty good for our drought situation, even if it’s annoying for skiers who want that dry, fluffy powder. We’re likely to see more "heavy, wet" snow events as we head toward March, which is historically Denver’s snowiest month anyway.
Real Talk on the Averages
- January Avg High: 47°F
- January Avg Low: 18°F
- Typical Snowfall: About 6.5 inches for the month.
Right now, we are running warmer than that. Much warmer. If you’re planning a trip or just trying to decide if you need to winterize your pipes (again), keep an eye on those overnight lows. Even on a 55-degree day, the temperature usually craters to the 20s as soon as the sun disappears behind the peaks.
Actionable Steps for the Next 7 Days
Don't let the "partly sunny" icons fool you into laziness. Denver weather is a contact sport.
Check your tires. The temperature swings we’re seeing (from 58°F to 22°F in 24 hours) cause tire pressure to fluctuate wildly. If your "low pressure" light comes on Friday morning, that’s why.
Hydrate your trees. It sounds weird in winter, but because it’s been so dry and windy, your perennials and young trees are parched. If the ground isn't frozen, give them a quick drink before the Friday freeze hits.
Layering is a religion. Forget the heavy parka for daytime errands this week. Use a base layer, a light sweater, and a windbreaker. You’ll be shedding and adding clothes like a frantic chameleon as the sun ducks in and out of the clouds.
Watch the fire risk. With high winds and low humidity (dropping into the teens this week), fire danger is actually elevated on the plains. Avoid any outdoor burning or activities that could spark.
The bottom line? Denver's weather right now is less of a "forecast" and more of a "suggestion." Stay flexible, keep a scraper in your car, and enjoy the 50-degree spikes while they last, because the "upslope" is always lurking just around the corner.