Forecast updated at 7:30 AM on 5/20/13

Today: A large upper level low in the Dakotas will continue to direct cool and moist air into the Western Slope.  Light rain in northwest Colorado will spread southward past the I-70 corridor by late morning when embedded thunderstorms developing this afternoon.  Morning snow in the mountains will continue, but the snow level will raise to about 10,000ft this afternoon.  Most areas will see scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms today.  Temperatures will be on the cool side with many areas struggling to get out of the 50s.  Any period of sunshine will help raise temperatures today, so some areas will top out in the 60s. 

Tonight: Showers ending by midnight, then becoming mostly clear by dawn.  Lows will be cool once again with 20s-30s in the higher valleys and 30s to low 40s for the lower valleys.

Tuesday: The pattern begins to change as upper level winds switch to the west and then southwest, ushering in drier air to the region.  Highs jump up into the low 70s under mostly sunny skies. 

Extended:  A very persistent pattern develops by midweek and lasts through Memorial Day at least.  Southwest flow will push our temps up into the 80s under mostly sunny skies.  Conditions will remain dry, warm and occasionally breezy. 

First Warn 8 Meteorologist Dann Cianca