COLORADO — The remnants of Hurricanes Odalys and Polo could help fuel a significant rain event across Colorado and the central Plains between Tuesday and Thursday, possibly lingering into Friday. A trough of low pressure moving into the Pacific Northwest this weekend is expected to pull tropical moisture northward as it reaches the Rocky Mountains. Southern and eastern Colorado, along with parts of Nebraska and Kansas, currently look most favored for rainfall that could be remarkable for late September.
Hurricanes Odalys and Polo Spin Off the Coast of Mexico
Satellite imagery shows Hurricanes Odalys and Polo spinning side by side in the Eastern Pacific off the coast of Mexico. Both storms are well organized, with thick clouds and tropical moisture surrounding their centers.
Their remnants are expected to turn northwest, then curve north and northeast toward Baja California and the Desert Southwest. That path would send a large plume of tropical moisture into the interior West early next week.
Pacific Northwest Trough Set to Pull Moisture North
Farther north, satellite imagery also shows a trough of low pressure approaching the Pacific Northwest this weekend. The system is visible as a large swirl of clouds off the coast of Washington and Oregon.
As that trough moves inland and eventually reaches the Rocky Mountain region, it is expected to pull a large amount of moisture northward out of the south. Much of that moisture will come from the remnants of Odalys and Polo, setting the stage for heavy rain in the central United States.
Southern and Eastern Colorado Most Favored for Heavy Rain
At this point, southern and eastern Colorado appear most favored for the heaviest rain. Communities including Pueblo, La Junta, Lamar, and Trinidad could be in line for a soaking from Tuesday through Thursday…