DENVER — Powerful wind gusts will continue to rip through Colorado on Monday, especially across the Denver metro area and Front Range foothills.
A High Wind Warning is in effect through 6 a.m. Tuesday for Colorado's Front Range foothills, and until midnight Monday for near the foothills. The National Weather Service said strong winds, with average gusts from 65 to 75 mph, are forecast to continue throughout Monday.
The National Weather Service reported 75 mph wind gusts in Aurora, Centennial and Greenland Monday morning.
Why is Denver so windy?
A very strong area of low pressure, one that is also likely to fuel a significant severe weather threat across parts of Oklahoma and Kansas on Monday, is largely responsible for the wind in Colorado, according to 9NEWS meteorologist Chris Bianchi.
Bianchi said the jet stream is roaring overhead with winds in the upper levels of the atmosphere well over 100 mph, and some of those strong winds are mixing down towards the surface.
Colorado's foothills essentially serve as a slide for those winds, allowing them to accelerate and maximize.
This is known as a bora wind, or essentially a cold wind. The source of the air is so cold that despite the downsloping (warming and drying) process that typically makes our wind a warm one, it feels extra cold, Bianchi said.
Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches will be in place for the San Luis Valley and southern portions of the Front Range and eastern plains Monday. These areas should watch for strong winds, paired with very dry air, to increase fire danger.
Across the Western Slope and high country, Winter Weather Advisories will be in place for the central and northern mountains through Monday evening. Most areas can expect between 3 to 14 inches of new snow, but the gusty winds will be the biggest impact. Watch for blowing snow to reduce road visibility and cause hazardous travel.
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