Colorado cold front brings mountain snow and Front Range rain

Driving the news: A cold front that arrived Tuesday is set to bring rain and snow through Thursday, the National Weather Service says.

• Mountain travel could get dicey late Wednesday into Thursday morning.

By the numbers: The central mountains could see 3–8 inches of snow, with the heaviest accumulation above 9,500 feet.

• Areas between Cameron and Loveland passes have a 70% chance of topping six inches, forecasters say.
• Pikes Peak could also pick up a few inches.

Zoom in: Along the Front Range, grab a rain jacket, not a snow shovel.

• On Wednesday, Denver and the northern corridor will see highs in the mid-40s to low 50s, with showers especially likely along Interstate 25. Thursday stays cool.
• Colorado Springs' highs will plunge from the 70s Tuesday to around 50 Wednesday and Thursday, with rain, drizzle and overnight lows in the 30s.

What we're watching: Snow levels could drop to 8,000 feet by Thursday morning, bringing flakes to mountain valleys and higher foothills.

• Parts of the Front Range and Eastern Plains could see frost or freezing temperatures Thursday night into Friday.

Be smart: Check road conditions on COtrip before heading over mountain passes, and protect tender plants before the overnight cold.

The bottom line: Winter is just visiting. Front Range highs are forecast to rebound into the 70s this weekend.