Newbie, need heads up on weather

[scottluebke2005]

Driving from So Cal to Colorado in 5 days. Been checking weather through NOAA and others I got from this forum, but I guess I need the peace of mind from you guys. What is the weather "supposed" to be on Dec 31 when driving through Utah and Colorado on the I70? The plan is to drive those sections during the day when the temp is highest and the visibility is up. Any help would be so great. Thanks. -Scott-

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forum

The only way anyone can tell you what the weather is supposed to be a week or more in advance is to look at long term averages and tell you what they are. The problem is that if it's 60 one year and -10 the next, then the average of those two years is 25, which tells you nothing about the drive you would have made in either year. You're already doing the best you can by checking the NOAA weather forecasts. That's what everybody else bases their weather reports on. With those caveats, the long term average temperature along I-70 is typically about 42/17 (high/low) on the flats and 35/10 in the mountains. Average precipitation is about half to three-quarters of an inch - but that is as water, if it comes down as snow (highly likely this time of year) and is a bit over average, you're looking at several feet - that's what the ski resorts along that corridor count on. So - just keep checking in with NOAA. The predictions get more accurate and trustworthy the closer they are to the actual date. And be ready to alter your plans as needs be to accommodate whatever you encounter.

AZBuck

[Mark Sedenquist]

What is the weather "supposed" to be on Dec 31 when driving through Utah and Colorado on the I70?

Scott, AZ Buck's advice is on point -- generally the weather is relatively mild on the 31st -- the heaviest snow doesn't start coming in most years until after the 10th of January. You will see snow -- but I wouldn't worry about it too much. -- I just looked at the long range -- it looks like there will be 2-3 snow storms in the Colorado Rockies this week with about a 30% chance of measurable snow on the 31st. Just remember to slow down and take it easy. Read these time-tested tips!

Happy Holidays!

Mark

[scottluebke2005]

When you say, "you will see snow, but don't worry." are you referring to snow being on the side of the road or driving through falling snow?

[Mark Sedenquist]

When you say, "you will see snow, but don't worry." are you referring to snow being on the side of the road or driving through falling snow?

A little bit of both.