An upper level trough<\/span> moved into CO from the north last night helping decrease temperatures across the state and increase moisture east of the Continental Divide<\/span>. Over the western slope, temperatures will be about 5F cooler than climatology. Winds will also decrease lowering the fire threat for today.<\/p>\n East of the Continental Divide<\/span>, overnight scattered<\/span> showers accompanied the upper level trough<\/span> over the Northeast Plains, leaving a moist, stable<\/span> layer near the surface this morning. For example, the current temperature and dew point<\/span> readings over Akron are 55F\/52F. The ongoing scattered<\/span> showers and cooler temperatures will limit the amount of instability for severe storms over the Front Range, Urban Corridor, Palmer Ridge and Northeast Plains. As pockets of clouds burn off midday, it will be possible for some instability to form. Therefore, scattered<\/span> showers over the over higher terrain and the Palmer Divide<\/span> are forecasted in this cloud-free environment. Rain rates up to 1” will be possible for the isolated<\/span> thunderstorms that form.<\/p>\n Further south, adequate low-level moisture combined with upslope winds continue to support cloudy conditions this morning. However, warmer morning temperatures and strong June sun will cause this moisture to mix out earlier in the day. The clearer skies will allow for a band of instability this afternoon along the Southeast Mountains and Raton Ridge. High moisture paired with backing winds will create a favorable environment for strong to severe storms. The slow motion movement of the storms (15 kts) will cause rain rates up to 2 inches per hour. The severe storms that form could have hail up to 2 inches in diameter and 60 mph gusts. Storms are expected to diminish by midnight.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/archive-coftb.dewberryanalytics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/06-30-2017-1.png\")
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