Denver Weather Forecast, Colorado Weather Forecast for May 11, 2026

Model Forecasts:  Surface, 500 mb, 24/hr Snow Hemi (Click to Animate)

Long-Range Forecast

When we get into the Summer Pattern, we lose a lot of storms that migrate north with the jet stream.  The storm projected for Denver  and Colorado this week, May 12-14th, will miss to our north (see 500mb and surface charts).  Some of the strong storms will come back through, such as a series of storms that will likely return around the 19-25th.  Check out the charts below valid May 25th, followed by Cycle 1 chart from October 13th.

Pretty similar setup and this is what we are looking for when we are forecasting.  We know what the model forecast should look like based on the cycling pattern, so, when a chart 15 days out looks right, we know the models are on to the pattern.  Now that doesn’t mean the models will keep this “look” for the next two weeks.  Each model run can differ drastically, but every time we get hints of what is to come, based on what “should” be there, it gives us more confidence and allows us to project the details more precisely.  

Summer Long-Range Forecast

We are going to forecast each storm that came thru the last three cycles.  Some of these storms will miss to the north and some storms will dive south enough to hit Colorado.  Here are the dates:

• May 19-25    Series of storms that produced in all cycles
• June 4-12    Series of storms that produced in cycles 1 and 2 but missed in March due to the massive West Coast ridge
• June 16-18  The model forecast above thinks this will return
• June 29-31  Storm hit in all 3 cycles
• July 13-22   Return of the “Almost Trifecta”

After the July 13-22 storm, I would not trust the model forecast above.  We’ll be in a summer pattern and also transitioning to the new pattern.  

Welcome Newcomers, First Tracks with FutureSnow?

If you are new to FutureSnow and the cycling pattern, we will catch you up to speed.   Click on the link and we will explain the terminology you will be reading on our blog, along with our methodology using the Cycling Weather Pattern.  Thanks for joining our Team!

 

If you are new to FutureSnow and the cycling pattern, we will catch you up to speed.   Click on the link and we will explain the terminology you will be reading on our blog, along with our methodology using the Cycling Weather Pattern.  Thanks for joining our Team!