It’s going to be a windy, and at times rainy, Memorial Day weekend throughout Southwest Colorado.
According to Matthew Aleksa, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, the dry, windy and low humidity conditions that caused a red flag warning Thursday will continue into Friday.
Highs on Friday are expected to remain in the mid-70s, with wind gusts that could exceed 25 mph. No precipitation is expected.
On Saturday, Aleksa said there should be more widespread storms throughout Southwest Colorado, with the chance for thunder and lightning, especially in the higher elevations.
For the Iron Horse Classic Bicycle Classic, morning temperatures are predicted to be in the upper 30s, warming up into the 50s throughout the day. Conditions should start mostly sunny in the morning, turning to showers and storms in the afternoon over higher terrain with high winds, Aleksa said.
“There continues to be only a slight chance for precipitation on Friday night,” a Thursday update on the Iron Horse website said. “Any precipitation that does fall could keep the passes wet and slightly icy during the early morning hours on Saturday. We do not see the road surfaces having an impact on the race at start-time.”
Organizers will make a final decision on the race at 6 a.m. Saturday.
As for the rest of Memorial Day weekend, Sunday and Monday should be mostly dry, with a slight chance for isolated thunderstorms in the San Juan Mountains, and temperatures in the low 70s, Aleksa said.
Aleksa added that people recreating in the mountains should be mindful of the risk of lightning.
