The weekly weather forecast for the high country of Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado; researched and written by professional meteorologist and avid mountaineer: Dan "the weather man" Gottas.
Thursday August 28, 2008
The Week in Review
Another week of mixed summer weather produced both short and long days of weather-safe climbing conditions in the high peaks. With an increase in atmospheric water vapor last Saturday through Monday, thunderstorms initiated over the high peaks shortly after noon each day. These storms produced localized rain, hail and lightening, and warranted early descents to avoid weather-related complications. By Tuesday, dry air moved into the region with a mid-latitude airmass. From Tuesday through Thursday, storm-free skies provided full-day climbing excursions free of weather related risks. Also on Thursday, a fair amount of smoke from distant western wildfires was transported into the area by northwesterly flow.
The Upcoming Weekend
Moisture will once again be on the increase across the area, as a fall-like weather system sweeps across the western states over the weekend. The risk of afternoon thunderstorms will increase on Sunday and Monday, with storm initiation forecast around mid afternoon and storm motions from the southwest. The weather system and associated cold front will brush by the northern part of Colorado on Tuesday morning. This will kick up the breezes over the higher terrain and briefly cool the thermometer. In addition, dry air will usher in behind the front, and is forecast to remain in place for most of the week. With this, thunderstorm development will be suppressed, and long weather-safe climbing days will once again prevail.
The NWS numerical temperature and wind forecast for the Longs Peak area over the extended weekend is as follows:
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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
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.
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