You’ve seen the gray sky over the Rockies and felt that specific "it’s gonna snow" bite in the air today. Honestly, Denver’s weather has been acting like a total flake lately—literally. If you've been checking your phone every twenty minutes for a weather forecast denver snow update, you aren't alone. We’re currently sitting in a weird gap between a sunny 52°F afternoon and a 60% chance of light snow hitting the pavement overnight.
It’s Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you’re planning your Monday morning commute, things are about to get a little greasy on I-25.
The Reality of the Denver Snow Forecast Right Now
Basically, we’re looking at a classic "weak easterly upslope" situation. While the day started out bright and sunny, things are shifting fast. The current temperature is hovering right at 32°F, but it feels more like 26°F thanks to a 5 mph breeze coming in from the east.
Here is the deal: Denver is expected to see light snow develop late tonight and into early Monday morning.
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We aren't talking about a "buy all the bread and milk" kind of blizzard. Most meteorologists, including the team at CBS Colorado, are calling for a widespread coating of about a half-inch to 1 inch. Some lucky (or unlucky) spots might see a localized "boom" of 2 inches if those big, fat snowflakes stack up right.
Why the "Upslope" Matters
In Denver, the wind direction is everything. When the wind comes from the east, it pushes air up against the mountains. That air cools, moisture condenses, and—boom—you get snow. Because the moisture content is a bit low with this specific system, the snowflakes are expected to be large and airy. They look pretty, but they don't add up to much weight.
What Most People Miss About Colorado's 2026 Winter
You might think we're buried in white stuff by mid-January, but the truth is actually kinda scary. As of mid-January 2026, Colorado's statewide snowpack is sitting at roughly 62% to 63% of the long-term median.
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We are officially in "danger territory" for drought.
Earlier this month, experts like Chris Bianchi from 9NEWS pointed out that we’ve hit record lows for this time of year. While this overnight dusting helps the vibes, it does almost nothing for our water reservoirs. We’re essentially in a "snow drought," even if your driveway says otherwise tomorrow morning.
The Week Ahead at a Glance
- Sunday Night: Light snow begins late. Low of 23°F.
- Monday Morning: Snow tapers off by 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM. High of 45°F.
- Mid-Week: Dry and mild. Expect highs back in the 50s.
- Late Week: Another potential shift toward colder air around January 22nd.
How to Handle Your Monday Commute
If you're driving into the Tech Center or heading up toward Boulder, don't let the "1 inch" forecast fool you. Denver roads get slick fast when the ground is cold.
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- Check the timing. The snow is supposed to clear the metro area by 11:00 AM Monday. If you can push your morning meeting to noon, do it.
- Watch the bridges. With a low of 23°F tonight, elevated surfaces will freeze long before the surface streets do.
- Don't trust the "sunny" forecast for Monday afternoon. Even if the sun comes out and pushes us to 45°F, that slush will turn into "black ice" the second the sun dips behind the Flatirons tomorrow evening.
The mountains are having an even tougher time. Keystone and Vail are seeing tiny dustings—maybe an inch or two over 48 hours—but nothing like the "Big One" skiers are praying for. If you’re heading to the high country, keep your expectations low for powder days. It's mostly groomed runs and "variable" conditions out there right now.
Actionable Steps for Denverites
Don't just sit there waiting for the flakes. Prep your car tonight. Make sure your wiper fluid is the "de-icer" variety—regular blue stuff will just freeze on your windshield at 23°F. Also, check your tire pressure; these 30-degree temperature swings usually trigger that annoying "low pressure" light on your dashboard.
Most importantly, keep an eye on the January 22nd to 24th window. That's our next real shot at "meaningful" snow that might actually help that record-low snowpack. Until then, enjoy the light dusting and the short-lived winter wonderland.