News - Denver and the mountains prepare for arctic chill and snow

A wave of winter weather is sweeping through Colorado, bringing freezing temperatures and snowfall from Denver to the mountain regions. The frigid conditions set in early Friday, with Denver experiencing highs of only 15 degrees and temperatures dropping to just above zero overnight, accompanied by a light dusting of snow expected after 3 p.m. According to the National Weather Service, less than an inch will accumulate in the metro area. Meanwhile, the central mountains are preparing for significant snowfall, with a winter weather advisory forecasting 5 to 11 inches from Friday morning through Saturday evening. Travel warnings have been issued for these areas due to potentially hazardous conditions along Interstate 70. Further east, the northern and east central plains are enduring an arctic blast, ushering in temperatures that could drop to 22 degrees below zero with the wind chill factor. The risk of frostbite is high, with exposed skin susceptible in less than 30 minutes. Residents are advised to layer up in protective clothing, including hats and gloves, to mitigate exposure. While snow is expected on the plains Friday through Saturday, little accumulation is anticipated. Emergency cold weather shelters were activated across Denver on Thursday in anticipation of the dangerously low temperatures and snowfall. Saturday will see persistent cold in Denver, with highs of merely 21 degrees and wind chills plummeting to 2 below zero overnight, although snow accumulation is expected to remain under an inch. The promise of sunshine arrives on Sunday, yet the mercury only reaches 24 degrees, a stark reminder of winter's grip. Attendees of the Broncos' AFC Championship game against the Patriots at Empower Field will need to bundle up. Relief is in sight as the cold front moves on, with a gradual warming trend taking shape. By Monday and Tuesday, temperatures will climb to 47 degrees under sunny skies, potentially reaching over 50 degrees by Wednesday.