For 8/15/09: The drier air from the west started to set up yesterday afternoon and is now fully entrenched in the area. We saw clear skies overnight as a result and all but the highest peaks and most northern parts of the valley will stay mostly sunny all day. Moisture is limited and this will mean little to no fuel for any convective activity but be prepared if you are headed to the higher terrain with some variable conditions still expected for the other side of the divide.

Overnight lows were significantly lower thanks to the clear skies with Crested Butte reporting 33 degrees and Gunnison dropped to 37 degrees. Daytime highs will remain cool as the influence of this cold front lingers with the north end of the valley holding in the 60’s while Gunnison climbs to the low 70’s. Tonight will likely present below freezing temperatures for the higher elevations while the lower valleys hover right around 32.

By Monday we will see another shift in the western pattern with models differing on the ultimate result but look for warmer temperatures. You should be able to tackle a big project or adventure today but pack layers because it will be cool and respect the forecasted overnight freeze if there is any chance of getting nighted.

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