Arctic air and snow to impact Denver’s AFC Championship Game weekend with frigid conditions

DENVER — After a mild and dry Wednesday and Thursday, a strong cold front will impact Colorado this weekend.

The 9NEWS Weather Impact Team is tracking a wedge of Arctic air from the north that is merging with a cutoff low pressure system to the south, bringing much colder temperatures and the chance for snow across the Rocky Moutnain region.

On Friday, expect that Arctic air to drop temperatures. Highs Friday afternoon will likely reach only the lower to middle 20s.

Light snow is likely in areas across Colorado’s plains including the Denver metro area Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. The 9NEWS Weather Impact Team has issued a potential Weather Impact Alert for both Friday and Saturday due to the cold and snow.

Cold weather will kick off the weekend with sunshine returning and chilly temperatures Saturday, with highs only in the mid 20s and lows in the single digits and teens.

The Denver Broncos will host their first AFC Championship Game since 2016 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, with backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham leading the team. However, weather may be as much a factor as the quarterback change.

Fans should prepare for frigid conditions with temperatures around freezing at the 1 p.m. kickoff and possible snow flurries during play.

Temperatures are forecast to be around freezing to start the game, with conditions in the 20s or 30s for temperatures during the game. Some weather models show potential for light snow arriving late in the game, though accumulation would be minimal.

• WEDNESDAY: Sunny skies. High 49, low 19.
• THURSDAY: Mostly sunny, cooler. High 39, low 13.
• FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy, cold and windy, isolated snow showers. High 21, low 3.
• SATURDAY: Snow showers early, clearing and cold. High 19, low 8.
• SUNDAY: Sunny and cold. High 35, low 19.
• MONDAY: Mostly sunny and milder. High 47, low 24.
• TUESDAY: Sunny and seasonal. High 48, low 25.