SPM 05-07-2018: Evening Cloud Cover and an Isolated Thunderstorm over Weld County

Issue Date: Monday, May 7, 2018
Issue Time: 9:00AM MDT

Summary:

Mostly clear skies for the majority of the day lead to high temperatures in the mid-70s for the lower elevations, while isolated locations in the mountains reached 60F. As the upper disturbance began approaching the state from the west, widespread mid and high level cloud cover was present by early evening. However, with low moisture, only minimal rainfall was reported over the mountains with totals up to 0.1 inches. Over Weld County, the weak shortwave, minimal CAPE and isolated moisture combined to form a secluded thunderstorm. Spotters reported small hail (penny size) and, due to low moisture, gusts of 25 mph were recorded at nearby airports. Radar estimates were up to 0.5 inches with a MesoWest station in Atwood reporting 0.5 inches.

There was no flooding reported Sunday. For an estimate of rainfall totals in your area, scroll down to the State Precipitation Map below.

Click Here For Map Overview

The map below shows radar-estimated, rainfall gage-adjusted Quantitative Precipitation Estimates (QPE) across Colorado. The map is updated daily during the operational season (May 1 – Sep 30) by 11AM. The following six layers are currently available: 24-hour, 48-hour and 72-hour total precipitation, as well as maximum 1-hour, 2-hour and 6-hour precipitation over the past 24 hour period (to estimate where flash flooding may have occurred). The accumulation ending time is 6AM of the date shown in the bottom right corner. Also shown optionally are fire burn areas since 2012. The home button in the top left corner resets the map to the original zoom.

Note: We have identified a possible underestimation in QPE over the southwest part of the state. We are working to on this issue, and will provide an update as soon as possible.