Colorado Roller Coaster Weather: What To Expect Wednesday

Temperatures in metro Denver and Boulder plummeted by more than 50 degrees in under 24 hours, and the region remains under both a freeze warning and winter weather advisory until 12 p.m. Wednesday.

Up to 4 inches of snow is expected to fall in some Front Range communities, but the snowfall should ease by late Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service. Between 2-5 p.m., there's only a slight chance of rain and snow showers, and by Wednesday evening there's a 20 percent chance of precipitation, with a low of around 33.

Then you can expect temperatures to warm up to a high of 55 Thursday, which will see a 20 percent chance of showers before 12 p.m. The sun will then come out in the afternoon.

Friday's weather forecast shows a 30 percent chance of showers in the afternoon, then a mostly-sunny sky, with a high of around 68. The weekend will also see a mostly-sunny sky, with temperatures reaching back up into the mid-70s.

The National Weather Service on Tuesday issued a freeze warning, which will be in effect until 12 p.m. Wednesday.

"Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing," the alert read.

"Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing."

The Front Range is also under a winter weather advisory until 12 p.m. Wednesday.

"Slow down and use caution while traveling," the advisory read. "Scattered power outages will also be possible."

Weather officials also warned of slippery, slushy roadways in some areas, and falling tree branches.

"The weather system is expected to weaken Wednesday with lingering light snowfall ending and conditions improving through the day," the alert read.

Both the winter weather advisory and freeze warning includes Denver, Boulder, Arvada, Lakewood, Golden, Littleton and many other Front Range communities.

>> View the full list of regions and weather alerts here.

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