Front Range Weekend Weather: Will It Help Firefighters?

Front Range residents and fire crews can expect some much-needed precipitation Saturday night and Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

A storm is expected to come in from the north Saturday night. Temperatures will to drop significantly overnight and snow will begin accumulating, weather officials said.

But before the storm comes in, another Red Flag Warning was issued Friday for the mountains and northern foothills. The warning will remain in effect until 7 p.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service said. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph could hit some mountain regions.

Wildfire updates:

• As of Friday evening, the East Troublesome Fire had reached 188,000 acres, and thousands of people remained under evacuation orders in Grand County.
• The Lefthand Canyon Fire has reached 100 percent containment, but the CalWood Fire was still burning Friday at 10,073 acres and 55 percent containment. Nearly 500 personnel are helping to fight the CalWood Fire, which is burning north of Jamestown.
• As of Friday, the Cameron Peak wildfire had burned 206,977 acres at 57 percent containment. More than 1,800 personnel are fighting the fire.

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black said crews are hopeful that the snow storm will help them battle the wildfires, but they aren't relying on the weather. Over the summer, weather was expected to help crews multiple times in Colorado, but wildfires proved too strong, fire officials said.

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Snow will first fall Saturday night near Colorado's northern border, weather officials said. The storm will then spread south to Interstate 70 overnight. The heaviest snow is expected Sunday, and will taper off Sunday night and early Monday.

Temperatures along the Front Range will see highs in the mid 20s Sunday, and then drop to single digit lows Sunday night, according to the forecast.

"The colder temperatures and snow will result in snow covered roads, and slick travel conditions," read an Accuweather alert.

"If you are planning to travel, be prepared for slower than normal travel conditions, and use extra time to reach your destination safely. Also, be prepared for the sharp change in temperatures and dress warmly in several layers of clothing."

A winter storm watch will be in effect from Sunday morning through late Sunday night along the Front Range. Up to 6 inches of snow is expected in some regions.

"Plan on slippery road conditions," the alert read. "If you are planning travel, allow extra time to reach your destination safely."