A wide range of snowfall accumulations is possible in the Pikes Peak region overnight Tuesday into Wednesday as National Weather Service meteorologists remain uncertain on how much will remain due to ground warmth.

The National Weather Service in Pueblo described its forecast for the storm, which will impact the Interstate 25 corridor, as “most uncertain” for El Paso County. Higher elevations can anticipate heavy wet snowfall beginning on Tuesday. As of Monday evening, the Weather Service forecast 3 to 4 inches of snow in Colorado Springs and several more inches at higher elevations in El Paso County.

But how long will it stay on the ground?

Soil sites in counties surrounding the Pikes Peak region recorded temperatures in the high 50s and low 60s on Sunday, according to the Colorado Agricultural Meteorological Network.

The soil temperature should remain around 32 degrees to support snow, similar to the air temperature, although it changes much more slowly. There are no sites in the Colorado State University-operated network in El Paso or Teller counties.

The warm soil temperatures could mitigate harsh road conditions caused by the storm at lower elevations, according to the Weather Service.

Still, the Colorado Department of Transportation advised avoiding driving during the storm, which will create slushy conditions, particularly in the high country. Drivers who decide to brave the weather should travel with a snow kit and anticipate chain and traction laws to be in effect, CDOT cautions.

Wednesday’s snowfall total for Colorado Springs, officially recorded at the city’s airport, could surpass the May 6 record of 4.5 inches set in 1978. If it continues snowing through early Thursday, which is unlikely, it could break the May 7 record of 0.1 inches set in 1984.

The wet weather is arriving with a cold front attached, as the NWS forecasts temperatures in Colorado Springs to fall as low as 24 degrees on Wednesday. The record low for May 6 is 22 degrees, also set in 1978.

The Weather Service has also issued a freeze watch for Colorado Springs from midnight until 8 a.m. Thursday with forecast temperatures as low as 25 degrees.

So far, Colorado Springs has recorded 24.7 inches of snow through the water year from October to September, which is 23% below average.

Low snowfall amounts mixed with above-average temperatures contributed to all of the Pikes Peak region entering a drought at the end of April, joining the entire state, according to previous Gazette reporting.

Still on tap for some heavy wet Spring snow across portions of southern CO with heaviest amounts across the Pikes Peak region. Expect hazardous travel and possible power outages and tree damage. Still some challenges with this storm so stay tuned for more updates. #cowx pic.twitter.com/aPELMweluG

— NWS Pueblo (@NWSPueblo) May 4, 2026