DENVER — It was hot and dry Labor Day holiday, but a huge change is here - a 60 degree drop in temperature, strong winds, rain and then snow!
A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the western and southern portions of the Denver metro area on Tuesday for the cold and snow.
Hot weather records were broken over the Labor Day weekend. A high of 101 degrees was recorded at the Denver International Airport on Saturday, then Sunday's high tied the record of 97.
Highs on Labor Day climbed to 93 degrees at DIA, tying the all-time record mark of 73 days of 90 degrees (or hotter) on record in a single year.
In the high country, temperatures reached in the upper 70s to middle 80s with dry and windy weather - terrible for fire fighters working on the various wildfires.
An early taste of winter now moves in as a powerful cold front races south across Colorado with tumbling temperatures and snow are likely Tuesday and early Wednesday.
Temperatures will fall rapidly and rain with some thunder will shift to snow. The pavement will be very warm, so much of the snow will melt on impact at the start of the storm, however accumulating snow is likely especially over higher terrain and the foothills by early Tuesday morning.
The I-25 corridor and metro area is expected to see heavy, wet snow, which may bring down trees and cause power outages. Roads could become slippery and slushy across higher terrain.
READ MORE: From high 90s to possible snow: Denver weather will change drastically through Labor Day
The northern and central mountains and the foothills west of Denver may see over a foot of wet, heavy snow Tuesday and Tuesday night. Although early, it will be a huge help to fire fighters and may well extinguish the Cameron Peak Fire west of Fort Collins.
Denver and the eastern plains will see much colder weather on Tuesday with highs in the 30s! Three to six of snow expected around Denver - especially western and southern suburbs. In the mountains and foothills - eight to 16 inches can be expected.
Freezing temperatures are expected Tuesday night, with lows in the upper 20s in Denver. Protect sensitive plants and cover exposed pipes if necessary. Skies will clear for the middle of next week with a slow warming trend starting.
On Wednesday, highs will be in the 40s, then 50s on Thursday, 70s on Friday and finally more seasonal weather, with low 80s over the weekend.
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