SPM 06-01-2018: Hot and Dry, Late Day High-Based Showers over Northern High Country

Issue Date: Friday, June 1st, 2018
Issue Time: 9:30 AM MDT

Summary:

As high pressure and dry air invaded the state, moisture was ushered out and left Mother Nature with no choice but to provide plenty of sunshine and dry conditions. Cumulus clouds bubbled over and near the higher terrain, thanks to enough residual moisture and orographic support, but they did little more than provide shadows. Late in the afternoon and during the early evening hours, a few high-based showers developed over the Northern Mountains and northern Front Range, painting the sky with virga and producing gusty winds. The only rainfall observation came from near Estes Park, where a trace of rainfall was reported.

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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.