Cold front to cut southern Colorado temperatures by up to 15 degrees as rain totals reach 0.75 inches

A cold front moving across Colorado early Saturday is set to drop temperatures 10 to 15 degrees across the southern part of the state, with winds ramping up ahead of it and rain building behind it. Gusts of 40 to 45 mph are forecast from Friday through the weekend, and tropical moisture shifting east is expected to add to rainfall already falling in the San Juan Mountains.

Total precipitation across the region could reach 0.10 to 0.75 inches. Overnight lows Thursday were expected in the 40s and 50s for most of southern Colorado. In the San Juans and the state's southwest corner, heavy rain was continuing, and flood watches, severe thunderstorm watches and several flood warnings were in effect.

Colorado Springs is forecast to hit 73 Friday after a low of 51, with early showers giving way to a drier afternoon and winds increasing as the front approaches. Pueblo should reach 81 after a low of 55, with showers through the day and more in the evening. Canon City is expected to reach 75 after a low of 54.

Woodland Park is forecast to reach 56 after a low of 43, with intermittent showers Friday and colder, wetter conditions over the weekend that could include snow. On the plains, Friday's low is 60 with a high of 83, and stray showers are possible there. Mountain areas are forecast to reach 59 after a low of 41.

Heavy rain and flood risk are expected to persist in the San Juans and across the western slope into Friday and through the weekend, and snow levels are likely to drop once the front passes. The plains could pick up measurable rain over the weekend as temperatures fall and winds strengthen. Forecasters expect drier conditions and closer-to-seasonal temperatures next week.