A strong surge of cold air will dive through the Plains early this week, helping to spark a round of severe weather on Wednesday, while bringing more snow to the Denver area.
This surge of cold air and its associated cold front is currently tracking into western British Columbia.
The leading edge of the cold air will move into the northern Rockies on Monday, bringing a round of significant wind to central Montana.
Wind gusts of greater than 65 mph are possible on Monday from Cut Bank to Great Falls and Butte, which can create hazardous travel conditions for drivers of high-profile vehicles.
The cold air will continue tracking southward into Tuesday, causing temperatures to drop between 15 and 20 degrees across the Dakotas, Wyoming and Minnesota compared to Monday's highs.
Below is a chart which shows expected high temperatures the next few days for selected cities in the northern Plains.
CityHigh Mon.High Tues.High Wed.
Fargo, N.D.655546
Cheyenne, Wyo.735236
Minneapolis, Minn.707147
Pierre, S.D.756050
Some rain will accompany this drop in temperatures for areas that don't need it along the Red River Basin. Though average rain amounts Monday afternoon into Monday night or Fargo and Grand Forks will only average 1/4 to 1/2 inch, any additional rain falling will only lead to further rises in the river.
Meteorologist Anthony Sagliani discusses the acceleration of the Red River flooding due to substantial snow melt.
More Snow For Denver?
As AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Erik Pindrock stated earlier this weekend, "If everything comes together, the mountains to the west of Denver could receive a foot or more of snow on Wednesday, while the city picks up several inches."
It begins to get a bit more complicated in Denver where AccuWeather.com Meteorologists are forecasting near-record-high temperatures on Monday. Our forecasted high of 82 degrees would be just shy of the record of 83 from the year 1948.
While enjoying the near-record warmth, residents will find it hard to believe that they may need the snow shovel within 48 hours.
As the surge of cold air continues to dive southward, it will move into Denver and the Front Range, causing temperatures to drop into the 30s by Wednesday morning.
The cold air combined with an easterly wind flowing up the mountains will lead to the development of snow!
While we are not expecting significant accumulations in the Front Range at the time being, the dynamics to produce several inches of accumulation in Denver are beginning to line up.
Severe Weather Threat Farther South?
While still several days away, the expected clash of cold air against warmer air in the southern Plains could lead to a round of severe weather for several big cities.
As temperatures drop into the 40s in Wichita on Wednesday, it will still be in the middle 80s in Dallas. That difference in temperature over a short distance screams the potential for severe weather.
Right now, AccuWeather.com Meteorologists are pinpointing a zone from near Oklahoma City, Okla. to Wichita Falls, Abilene, and near Dallas, Texas for the best chance for severe thunderstorms.
The timing right now looks like Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night for the greatest concentration of severe thunderstorms.
Check back with AccuWeather.com over the coming days as we continue to monitor this volatile weather situation taking aim on the Plains. Head over to the AccuWeather.com Severe Weather Center for the latest watches and warnings.