Tracking the potential for storms, snow, and strong winds

TODAY: I'm tracking a mild start to the day with temperatures in the upper 50s, gradually warming up into the mid-60s by the afternoon hours. Winds will be out of the southwest at 15-20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph before storms. These chances for storms will enter the area by 12-2 pm, exiting by 3-4 pm, bringing lightning and strong wind gusts. Strong northwesterly winds not associated with storms will take over after this at 20-25 mph with gusts up to 40-50 mph, which will bring much colder air into the area. This will lead to chances of snow by 7-10 pm, but accumulations are limited and held mostly north of I-70. All of this is why an ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Alert Day will be in effect.

TONIGHT: I'm tracking strong northwesterly winds continuing overnight at 20-25 mph with gusts up to 40-50 mph as sky conditions clear and temperatures rapidly drop into the mid-teens by the end of the night. These strong winds will lead to wind chills that are close to and below zero towards the end of the night.

EXTENDED: I'm tracking potentially sub-zero wind chills and strong winds continuing throughout Monday morning at 15-20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, and although sunshine is expected, temperatures will only warm into the upper 20s by the afternoon hours. Winds will calm down as temperatures drop back down into the teens on Tuesday morning, but another warmup is expected as high pressure takes over. By the afternoon hours, temperatures will get into the 40s, then on Wednesday, the upper 60s are expected. Sunshine with temperatures in the 70s will be expected to persist throughout the rest of the week into next weekend.