Desperately needed rain that could help firefighting efforts in Southwest Colorado is in the forecast.
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction says the chance for precipitation starts Thursday night. From Thursday night to Friday, there is the possibility for isolated thunderstorms that may carry rain.
This part of the weather system could, in fact, have detrimental effects to wildfire danger if the storms produce lightning and no precipitation, said Mike Charnick, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
However, Saturday and Sunday has a promise of rain and cooler temperatures.
Over the weekend, Charnick said it is a safe bet that most of Southwest Colorado will see moisture, at least enough to get the ground wet. Higher terrains are more favored in this system, he said.
The rainfall is expected to help firefighting efforts for both the 416 Fire and the Burro Fire.
Juliette Ambler did her part. Her call for a rain prayer and rain dance on Facebook got 210 responses and about 30 people showed up Monday at 6 p.m. in Buckley Park for the event.
“I’m a big believer in energy and the law of attraction and how our energy affects everything around us,” Ambler said before the crowd gathered, held hands and pondered the coming downpours.
She told the assembled rain-seekers: “Having everyone here at once thinking about rain and what we’re going to do when it rains will put that thought into the universe. If you’d like, we can hold hands to create more energy.”
The group held hands for five minutes of thought and then a few preformed their own rain dances.
Time will tell if the concentrated, positive vibes worked.
Charnick said this storm system is not a sign of the arrival of the monsoons.
Instead, a hurricane in the eastern Pacific Ocean – Hurricane Bud – is sending up moisture to Southwest Colorado.
“This is a couple day pattern change, not something that will stick around,” Charnick said. “But it is a fortunate change in the weather pattern we’ve been looking for.”
Herald Staff Writer Patrick Armijo contributed to this report.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
