Honestly, living in Colorado Springs means accepting that your weather app is basically a Magic 8-Ball with a sense of humor. You’ve probably seen the memes. One minute it’s 60 degrees and you’re contemplating a hike at Garden of the Gods in a t-shirt; the next, a "blue norther" screams over the Palmer Divide and you’re digging out your heavy parka. It’s wild.
If you are looking at the extended weather forecast for Colorado Springs Colorado for the early months of 2026, things are getting even weirder than usual. We’re currently riding out a weak La Niña.
The La Niña Curveball
Normally, La Niña is the "cold and dry" villain for southern Colorado. It likes to push the jet stream north, dumping all that glorious powder on Steamboat while we just get the wind. But 2026 is acting a bit different. Forecasters at the National Weather Service and the Climate Prediction Center are seeing a transition toward "ENSO-neutral" conditions as we move into February and March.
What does that mean for your weekend plans? Basically, the atmosphere is losing its steering wheel.
Right now, as of mid-January 2026, we are sitting in a pocket of "Equal Chances." That’s meteorologist-speak for "we aren’t sure yet." However, the short-term data is much more specific. Today, January 17, we are looking at a high of 32°F with bright sun. It’s crisp. It’s clear. But don't let that sun fool you into thinking the winter coat can stay in the closet.
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Breaking Down the Next Two Weeks
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, is going to be one of those classic Colorado temperature swings. We’re jumping up to a high of 47°F. You’ll see people at the grocery store in shorts. I’m not even kidding. But keep an eye on the sky toward evening—there’s a 20% chance of light snow overnight as the temperature bottom outs at 20°F.
Monday, January 19, pulls a total 180. The high drops back to 32°F. More importantly, the chance of snow jumps to 35% during the day. It’s not a blizzard, but it’s enough to make the commute on I-25 a mess.
The rest of the week looks like this:
- Tuesday (Jan 20): Partly sunny, hitting 50°F. The snow from Monday will probably be gone by noon.
- Wednesday (Jan 21): Mostly sunny and 46°F. Typical "Springs" winter day.
- Thursday (Jan 22): High of 49°F, staying dry.
- Friday (Jan 23): 45°F with a few more clouds rolling in.
If you’re planning a trip further out, January 27 looks like the peak of the "warm" spell with a high of 52°F. It’s that January thaw we always hope for.
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Why the Palmer Divide Changes Everything
You can't talk about the extended weather forecast for Colorado Springs Colorado without mentioning the Palmer Divide. This elevated ridge between Denver and the Springs is a total weather-maker. It’s why you can have a foot of snow in Monument while downtown Colorado Springs only gets a dusting.
In early 2026, the northerly storm track favored by La Niña means most of the "clipper" systems are hitting the north side of the divide. We get the wind. Oh, the wind. When those systems move through, we often see gusts from the north or southeast that make 40 degrees feel like 20.
Looking Toward February and March
Historically, March is our snowiest month. People always forget that. They get through the "bitter" part of January and think they’re in the clear. Nope.
The long-range outlook from the Farmers' Almanac and local climatologists suggests that as we move out of La Niña and into that neutral phase, the southern storm track might finally wake up. This could mean "upslope" storms. Those are the big ones for us. That’s when moisture from the Gulf of Mexico gets shoved against the mountains, and we wake up to two feet of heavy, wet snow.
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Expect February 2026 to stay relatively mild—averaging around 32°F—but keep your shovel handy for late February. That’s when the models show a higher probability of significant moisture returning to the region.
Surviving the "Springs" Winter
If you’re new here or just visiting, the best advice is to embrace the "onion" method. Layers are everything. You need a base layer that wicks sweat, because you will sweat when that high-altitude sun hits you, even if it’s freezing out.
Don't forget the sunscreen. We get about 300 days of sunshine a year. That snow on the ground acts like a giant mirror, reflecting UV rays straight at your face. It's totally possible to get a sunburn while shivering.
Actionable Winter Prep for 2026
Stop relying on the 10-day forecast as gospel. It’s a guide, not a guarantee. Instead, do these three things:
- Check the Humidity: If the humidity is down around 20-30% (which it often is), the "cold" won't feel as biting. If it spikes, that snow is actually going to stick.
- Watch the Wind Direction: If the wind is coming from the North, expect temperatures to drop faster than the forecast says.
- Hydrate: This is a high-altitude desert. Your skin will crack and you’ll get headaches if you aren't chugging water.
The extended weather forecast for Colorado Springs Colorado is showing a classic, unpredictable winter. Enjoy the 50-degree days in late January, but don't pack away the snow boots until at least Mother's Day.
Check your tires now. Make sure your windshield wiper fluid is the -20°F variety. Keep a blanket in the trunk. Colorado weather doesn't care about your plans, so you might as well be ready for anything.