WASHINGTON COUNTY HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK

  This hazardous weather outlook is for northeast and north central Colorado.  .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight  Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon behind a cold front, with heavy rainfall and damaging winds being of greatest concern, and an isolated threat of large hail in the stronger, more organized storms. The greatest moisture is expected over the north central and northeastern portion of the forecast area (generally north of I-70) where dew points are already in the mid 50s this morning, and expected to increase behind the approaching cold front, where dew points are currently in the 60s. Forecast soundings indicate PWATs increasing to ~ 1", bringing them to between 100-130% of normal through tonight across the far northeast corner, with a decreasing gradient towards the foothills. There is less certainty with how far west the higher moisture makes it, but there is potential for the heavy rainfall to make it as far west as the urban corridor. The heaviest rainfall threat is expected to diminish from west to east, with showers and thunderstorms sticking around through late tonight.  .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday  Scattered afternoon thunderstorms are expected on Saturday and Sunday over the higher terrain, with some capable of spilling onto the plains on Saturday. More of the same will be in store into next week, with temperatures expected to remain in the 90s for the first half of next week, and a short reprieve by mid-week, when high temperatures will be in the 70s/80s for the lower elevations as widespread showers and storms will return to the forecast area.   .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...  Spotter activation will not be needed today or tonight, but any observations of severe hail/wind or heavy rainfall reports will be appreciated.