Colorado Weather Radar
Colorado Live Weather
Colorado Live Weather Radar
Colorado Hourly Weather Forecast
Colorado 7-Day Weather Forecast
Colorado Weather Overview
Colorado spans diverse terrain from the High Plains to the Rocky Mountains, creating dramatic weather contrasts across the state. Semi-arid conditions dominate the eastern plains, while the mountains generate their own microclimates with sudden storms and heavy snowfall. This geography makes Colorado weather radar essential — conditions can shift from clear skies to dangerous thunderstorms within hours, especially during spring and summer months along the Front Range.
Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding pose the greatest warm-season threats. The September 2013 Front Range floods dumped over 17 inches of rain in five days across multiple counties, triggering catastrophic flooding that killed ten people and caused $3 billion in damage. Spring and early summer bring hail-producing supercells that can spawn tornadoes across the eastern plains — Colorado averages 50 to 60 tornadoes per year, mostly in May and June. The NWS offices in Boulder (WFO BOU), Pueblo (WFO PUB), and Grand Junction (WFO GJT) monitor conditions across the state's varied regions.
Winter weather can be equally severe. The Christmas Blizzard of 1982 buried Denver under 23.8 inches of snow in 24 hours, while the historic Blizzard of 1913 dropped 45.7 inches over five days. Wildfires remain a year-round concern in drought-prone areas — the 2012 Waldo Canyon Fire destroyed 346 homes near Colorado Springs. Colorado averages only 15.9 inches of precipitation annually, though mountain areas receive significantly more.
Colorado Weather Risks & Safety
Severe Thunderstorm Risk
Severe thunderstorms roll through Colorado regularly, especially spring through early fall. Expect damaging winds above 58 mph, large hail, and dangerous lightning. The radar shows you each storm cell's position, movement, and intensity — so you can tell if one is headed your way. When a thunderstorm warning drops for Colorado, get indoors and away from windows until it passes.
Hail Risk
Hail-producing thunderstorms hit Colorado most often in spring. Hailstones range from pea-sized to larger than golf balls — enough to dent cars, crack windshields, and punch through roof shingles. On the radar, look for bright red and purple cores inside storm cells — that's where the big hail lives. When you see an intense cell headed toward Colorado, get your car under cover and stay away from windows and skylights.
Blizzard & Heavy Snow Risk
Colorado gets hit by blizzards when Arctic air combines with moisture — 12+ inches of snow, 35+ mph winds, near-zero visibility. On the radar you can watch the storm bands approach and figure out exactly when the worst will arrive. That timing matters: get your errands done before the bands reach you, and be ready for power outages and road closures that can last days.
Flash Flood Risk
The terrain around Colorado funnels rainfall fast — canyon drainages, dry washes, and paved surfaces concentrate water into flows that can sweep away vehicles within minutes. The radar shows real-time rainfall rates, so you can see where the heaviest rain is falling and whether flash flood conditions are building near you. When a flash flood warning hits the Colorado area, move to higher ground immediately. Don't wait to see the water rise.
Wildfire Smoke Risk
Wildfire smoke drifts into Colorado even when the fires are hundreds of miles away. Upper-level winds carry smoke plumes that turn skies hazy and push the Air Quality Index into unhealthy territory. Radar can't detect smoke directly, but it shows the wind patterns and incoming fronts that determine whether smoke lingers over Colorado or gets pushed out. If you have asthma or respiratory issues, check the AQI alongside the radar during wildfire season.
How to Use Colorado Weather Radar
Check Current Mountain Conditions
View real-time weather status at the top of the Colorado radar page. Mountain conditions can change rapidly — check temperature, wind speed, and precipitation type before heading to higher elevations across the Rockies.
Monitor the Radar Animation
Watch the interactive radar map to track storm movement across Colorado's diverse terrain. Toggle between precipitation and cloud cover views. Eastern plains thunderstorms often move northeast, while mountain storms are more stationary.
Review Hourly and Extended Forecasts
Scroll to the hourly forecast to see when severe weather is expected. Check the 7-day outlook for upcoming blizzards, hail storms, or wildfire weather patterns. Colorado's semi-arid climate means conditions can shift dramatically within hours.
Track Front Range Storms
The Denver-Boulder metro area and eastern plains see the most frequent severe weather. If radar shows intense storm cells along the Front Range during spring or summer, expect possible hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding in urban areas.
Who Benefits from Colorado Weather Radar
Commuters & Drivers
Check radar before driving I-25 or I-70 through the mountains — spot storms and snow quickly.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Hikers on Rocky Mountain trails — see incoming storms 30-60 minutes out, critical above treeline.
Event Planners & Families
Planning events at Red Rocks or Coors Field? Radar shows exactly when afternoon storms arrive.
Outdoor Workers
Construction crews and outdoor workers — Colorado storms bring sudden hail and lightning strikes.