An unsettled summertime weather pattern returned to the mountains of RMNP over most of the past week.

Subtropical moisture moved over the region from the southwest last Thu. and Fri, which produced mostly cloudy skies and afternoon/evening showers and thunderstorms.

A mid-latitude trough of low pressure moved southward out of Canada over the weekend.  With it came cooler air, moderate winds, and afternoon/evening showers and thunderstorms.

The unsettled pattern continued into the early part of this week, as a secondary and final wave moved through.  Behind this wave, a drier and more stable airmass moved over the area on Wed.

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The Upcoming Week

The current dry and stable weather conditions will persist over the region through Saturday, under northwesterly flow.  This will keep the skies over RMNP precipitation and storm free. 

Winds will decrease and temperatures will warm on Fri. and Sat. as high pressure builds over the region.  The weather conditions during this time will be perfect for alpine climbing.

As the center of the anticyclone migrates east of the region on Sun., subtropical moisture will begin to work its way back into the region on south-southwesterly flow. 

This will translate into an increased risk of afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms.  This pattern is forecast to become further established over the area as we move into next week.

Phil Walsh cranking under partly cloudy skies in Eldorado Canyon, Colorado

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The NWS numerical forecast for the mountains of RMNP over the upcoming weekend

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Detailed 7-Day Forecast

NWS Forecast for the 12,000 foot level near Longs Peak 

The link above will take you to the National Weather Service forecast for the 12,000 foot level near Longs Peak.  These forecasts are derived from computer-generated numerical forecasts, and are updated shortly after 3:30 am, 9:30 am, 3:30 pm, and 9:30 pm local time.  In the lower right-hand corner of the page, one can view forecasts for other locations in the Park by clicking on the desired location in the terrain map.

Do-It-Yourself Weather Forecast Links

Weather Observations and Forecasts

The link above provides a list of web links to various sites containing a variety of meteorological data and information.  Collectively, these resources can be used to monitor and study current weather conditions, as well short-term, medium-range, and climate forecasts