Late-May snowstorm threatens Denver with record-breaking snowfall and power outages
A late-season snowstorm is heading toward the Rocky Mountains and High Plains, bringing heavy, wet snow to Denver by Tuesday night. Forecasters warn the system could dump up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) in the city, with even deeper accumulations at higher elevations.
This unexpected snowfall may break records, as Denver typically sees its last flurries by late April. Yet May storms, though rare, have occasionally buried the area under more than 10 inches (25 centimeters). The storm arrives after an unusually warm and dry April, which left Denver short by an inch of rain (2.5 centimeters) and 2.8 inches of snow (7 centimeters). The wet snow could weigh down tree branches, increasing the risk of power cuts across the region.
Xcel Energy has already prepared for possible outages, placing 165 employees on standby. The snow is expected to persist through Wednesday, followed by a sharp drop in temperatures and a widespread freeze overnight.
Despite the heavy snow, experts caution that a single storm won’t ease the West’s water shortages. A recent report from the National Drought Mitigation Center described the summer water outlook as 'mostly bleak,' noting that earlier precipitation had little impact on long-term drought conditions. If forecasts hold, this could become Denver’s largest snowfall of the season. Residents should brace for travel disruptions, potential power cuts, and freezing overnight conditions. The storm serves as a reminder that late snow, though uncommon, remains a possibility in the region.
