For 9/20/09: The window for drier conditions is closing rapidly and western radar clearly shows the low pressure trough and associated cold front dropping into our area this morning. Regional radar is showing a line of thunderstorms already building in the Grand Junction area that will be on us through the early afternoon. Skies will clear by tonight but this will be the push that draws the cold front into the area for the beginning of the week with a significant change in the temperatures expected for the official beginning of autumn.

Overnight lows were cold again last night even with the clouds with Crested Butte reporting 33 degrees at 3am while Gunnison was only slightly warmer at 35 degrees. Daytime highs will be kept cool by this round of new moisture filling in early with the high to low 60’s about all we can expect valley wide. Look for another cold night tonight with a drop in daytime highs between 10-15 degrees expected through the beginning of the week.

This low pressure system will move moisture through the area through today but should clear the area by tomorrow. The cold front that it ushers in is another story and that will stick with us through the beginning of the week offering some significant changes to the weather. Today will be warmer but the potential for wet conditions is looking high. Pack plenty of layers and plan with escapability.

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