As shown in the water vapor image, below, relatively little change was observed in this morning’s atmospheric circulation compared to yesterday morning. The upper-level ridge to the southeast of Colorado has strengthened a bit, leading to a slightly stronger southwesterly flow over most of our state. Storm motions today will be 25mph or higher, which will limit point rainfall. A sprawled out, weak disturbance was noted over central Colorado, which will likely focus today’s rainfall a bit, especially on its moister northeast side. However, boundary layer<\/span> moisture, a necessity for heavy rainfall, remains largely lacking. Although Grand Junction’s morning Precipitable Water<\/span> (PW<\/span>) has increased to a somewhat respectable 0.84 inches, the lower-levels are relatively dry. Furthermore, a strong warm “nose” of air remains in the upper levels and will be detrimental to building storm clouds, helping to limit rainfall. Additionally, much drier air resides just west of Colorado, so we expect steady or decreasing PW<\/span> throughout the day especially along the UT border.<\/p>\n In all, with the slightly higher mid-level moisture, expect an increase in higher terrain storm coverage today into the scattered<\/span> category. Highest coverage will be over the higher terrain, above 8,000 feet, but a few isolated<\/span> storms will likely make it eastward into the Northeast Plains. Storms will produce light to possibly moderate rainfall over brief period, along with gusty winds. However, flooding is NOT expected today.<\/p>\n
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