Snow clings to flowers amid the worst drought in Colorado's history in Boulder, Colorado, U.S. May 5, 2026. REUTERS/Mark Makela
(Denver, Colorado) – Colorado got a brutal reminder this week that May does not always mean spring in the Rockies.
A late-season storm dropped snow across parts of the state, creating slick roads, school disruptions and travel delays in areas that had already started shifting into warmer-weather mode. Denver and nearby communities saw enough snow to slow down the morning rush, while higher elevations picked up much heavier totals.
The storm caused problems, but it also brought useful moisture. In Colorado, spring snow can help the ground, boost water supply and add to mountain snowpack before the hotter months arrive.
The cold snap is not expected to last. Temperatures are forecast to rebound, turning the same areas that were dealing with snow back toward a more typical spring pattern.
