After enduring several days of bone-chilling temperatures, Denver residents can finally breathe a sigh of relief as a slight warmup is expected on Tuesday. However, before the anticipated thaw, temperatures plunged to near-record lows late Monday evening at Denver International Airport.

In a matter of just 5 minutes, the temperature plummeted by a staggering 9 degrees, ultimately reaching a frigid reading of -19 degrees. The bitter cold snap prompted a Wind Chill Warning that has been in effect since Friday evening.

Tuesday at 11 AM, temperatures are predicted to climb into the upper 20s to low 30s, providing a much-needed respite from the arctic conditions. While still slightly below average, these temperatures will be a considerable 30 degrees warmer than Monday's bone-chilling temperatures in the Denver metro area.

Over the past few days, mountainous regions experienced heavy snowfall, with Rabbit Ears Pass receiving over 4 feet of snow. In comparison, Boulder saw 6.1" of snow accumulation since Friday, while Denver International Airport received a more modest 3".

Looking ahead, more snowfall is anticipated for the high country later this week. Winter Storm Warnings and watches have been issued for Wednesday and Thursday, with some areas in the Park Range expecting an additional 2 feet of snow, and other mountain communities potentially receiving up to 1 foot.

There is a slim possibility that some of this snow may descend onto the Front Range and Plains by Thursday afternoon; however, only trace amounts to an inch of snow are expected.

Fortunately, as we head towards the weekend, Denver can expect a significant warmup, with temperatures reaching the upper 40s to low 50s. This will mark some of the mildest weather the city has experienced in nearly 3 weeks.

Denverites can now look forward to embracing the much-awaited reprieve from the record-breaking cold as they prepare for the gradual transition to milder conditions in the coming days.