Denver Airport Leads Nation in Flight Cancellations
Denver International Airport (DIA) faced significant disruptions, reporting a total of **257 flights** canceled and **538 flights** delayed as of **4:37 p.m. Sunday**. This made DIA the U.S. airport with the highest number of cancellations and delays for both outbound and inbound flights on Sunday, according to flight tracking site FlightAware.
Frigid Conditions and Flight Impact
The frigid conditions in Denver contributed to this situation, with a forecasted high of only **10 degrees** and a low of **-8 degrees** on Sunday. The extreme weather created dangerous wind chills, causing widespread inconvenience for air travelers.
Weather Outlook and Advisory
The weather in the Denver area is anticipated to be partly sunny with a high near **5 degrees**, and there is a chance of snow on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Boulder. A north wind with a windspeed of around **6 mph** will result in wind chill values as low as **-24 degrees**. Snow accumulation is expected to be less than half an inch.
Given the combination of wind and cold temperatures, there is a heightened risk of dangerously low wind chill values. Individuals are advised to avoid outdoor activities if possible, and when venturing outside, it is crucial to wear appropriate clothing, including a hat and gloves.
Mountain Snow and Travel Precautions
Additional mountain snow is predicted through Sunday night, accompanied by westerly winds with gusts up to **45-55 mph** for areas above **10,000 feet**. This could result in blowing snow along mountain passes, necessitating caution and preparedness for winter driving conditions. For the plains, light snow is expected, with potential accumulation up to **1 inch** mainly for areas above **I-76**. Overnight, wind chills between **-20 to -30 degrees** are possible.
Looking ahead, periods of moderate to heavy snowfall are forecasted in the mountains on Monday, with a decrease in the afternoon. Simultaneously, light snow will spread across the plains on Monday, following another surge of arctic air.
Extended Weather Forecast
As frigid conditions persist through Tuesday morning, with temperatures dropping well below zero, wind chill readings pose a risk of frostbite on exposed skin in as little as **10 minutes**. Temperatures are expected to moderate across the plains by Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday.
Later in the week, another round of snow is anticipated in the mountains on Wednesday into Thursday. The National Weather Service provides the following forecast:
- Martin Luther King Day: Snow likely. Cloudy and cold, with a high near 1. Wind chill values as low as -19. North northeast wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 34. South southwest wind 6 to 9 mph.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 48.
- Thursday: A chance of snow, mainly before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 38.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 36.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 46.
