Colorado Springs Weather Radar
Colorado Springs Live Weather
Colorado Springs Live Weather Radar
Colorado Springs Hourly Weather Forecast
Colorado Springs 7-Day Weather Forecast
Colorado Springs Weather Overview
Colorado Springs sits at 6,035 feet above sea level on the eastern edge of the Southern Rocky Mountains, about 70 miles south of Denver. The city's semi-arid continental climate produces dramatic temperature swings, low humidity, and over 300 sunny days per year. The NWS Pueblo office (WFO PUB) covers the region, where Pikes Peak and mountain terrain drive weather that can shift within hours. The colorado springs weather radar is the fastest way to know what is building to the west.
Hail is the most destructive recurring weather threat. The city sits in Colorado's High Plains hail corridor, and large storm cells fire quickly from May through September as mountain heating combines with monsoon moisture. Wildfire is equally serious: the Waldo Canyon Fire (2012) destroyed 347 homes and killed two people, while the Black Forest Fire (2013) burned more than 14,000 acres — the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history at the time. Checking the colorado springs weather radar during red-flag conditions is critical for residents near the urban-wildland interface west of town.
Winter brings about 32.5 inches of snowfall per season, with March the heaviest month. Blizzards occasionally close I-25, and extreme cold has pushed temperatures to −27°F. Annual precipitation averages 15.9 inches, most falling during July–August monsoon thunderstorms. Pull up the colorado springs weather radar before heading toward Pikes Peak or Garden of the Gods — afternoon storms build fast and the doppler radar colorado springs provides shows their movement in near real time.
Colorado Springs Weather Risks & Safety
Hail Risk
Hail-producing thunderstorms hit Colorado Springs 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 Springs, get your car under cover and stay away from windows and skylights.
Wildfire Smoke Risk
Wildfire smoke drifts into Colorado Springs 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 Springs or gets pushed out. If you have asthma or respiratory issues, check the AQI alongside the radar during wildfire season.
Severe Thunderstorm Risk
Severe thunderstorms roll through Colorado Springs 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 Springs, get indoors and away from windows until it passes.
Winter Storm Risk
Winter storms hit Colorado Springs when Gulf or Pacific moisture runs into cold Arctic air — the result is some combination of heavy snow, ice, and strong winds. The key thing to watch on radar is the rain-snow line: that boundary determines whether Colorado Springs gets rain, freezing rain, or heavy snow, and it can shift by miles in an hour. When a winter storm watch goes up, stock your emergency supplies and plan to stay home.
How to Use Colorado Springs Weather Radar
Check Current Conditions
Look at the weather status bar at the top of the Colorado Springs radar page — it shows temperature, wind, and sky conditions at a glance. At 6,000 feet elevation, temperatures can swing 40°F in a single day.
Watch the Radar Map
The radar map shows storm cells moving across El Paso County. Use the animation to see whether afternoon convective storms building over Pikes Peak are tracking toward the city or dissipating over the plains.
Check for Hail Signatures
Look for bright red and purple cores inside storm cells on the radar — that is where large hail is most likely. Colorado Springs sits in a notorious hail corridor, and golf-ball-size stones are not uncommon in spring and summer.
Plan Around I-25 and Mountain Roads
Scroll to the hourly and 7-day forecast before driving I-25 or heading toward Pikes Peak. Winter storms can shut down mountain passes with little notice, and afternoon thunderstorms make outdoor trails hazardous quickly.
Who Benefits from Colorado Springs Weather Radar
Commuters & Drivers
Check radar before I-25 southbound — afternoon storms and winter blizzards close lanes fast.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Hikers at Garden of the Gods — afternoon cells build over Pikes Peak with 30 minutes warning.
Event Planners & Families
Outdoor events near America the Beautiful Park — radar shows exactly when storms roll in.
Outdoor Workers
Fort Carson and NORAD contractors — track red-flag conditions and I-25 weather closures.