Models predict above-average temps, average precipitation for Colorado through December

DENVER – Much of Colorado could be in for above-average temperatures to kick off winter, according to new models from the National Weather Service.

The NWS/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released new three-month forecasts Thursday showing much of Colorado and the rest of the county will see warmer temperatures, though a strong La Nina predicted earlier this summer appears to be tapering off.

The models show Colorado is likely to see average precipitation this winter, another sign La Nina is weakening. Should the weather pattern have been strong this year as originally predicted, Colorado would have seen drier weather.

The forecast appears to have rubbed off on Xcel Energy, Colorado’s primary electric and gas provider, which on Thursday released a report predicting electric bills to go up 3 percent from the third to fourth quarter of 2016 but gas bills to drop by 1 percent in the fourth quarter compared to last year.

If you’re feeling like Colorado might get left out on this year’s heavy snows, you might think about heading up to Montana, where above-average precipitation is forecast for the next several months.

Find more information on the forecast here.