For 6/24/09: Blue skies early will mean more of the big popcorn cloud formations building over the higher terrain and offering thundershowers by the afternoon. Southern moisture is lifting into our area on the classic subtropical plume with strategically placed high pressure systems steering it towards us. Precipitable water levels are forecast to climb to above an inch by Thursday which is a high mark for the season but the lack of a visible organized flow may keep storms scattered and fast moving.

Temperatures have warmed significantly on this southern flow with overnight lows hitting 39 degrees for Crested Butte while Gunnison stayed in the 40’s at 44 degrees this morning. Highs have held firmly in the 70’s at all elevations with Gunnison and the other lower valleys flirting with the 80’s. Look for lingering cloud cover to combine with the warmer temperatures overnight for more mild temperatures.

The next couple days are looking like a complicated forecast with different models predicting different outcomes. The two components we can bet on are warm temperatures and increased available moisture and this will mean increased convective activity at the least. Get an early start on big adventures or projects and expect the potential for more electric thunder cells later in the day. 

Look for a complete Crested Butte and Gunnison weather report, 24 hour trends and real time weather information now available at WWW.CBTV.TV.