DENVER (KDVR) - The Pinpoint Weather team is closely monitoring a winter storm set to move into Colorado late Thursday night, triggering a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day for Friday. The storm's arrival is expected to bring significant changes in temperatures and weather conditions across the region.

Thursday will start off on a warm and breezy note, with sunny skies and mild temperatures reaching the 60s. However, residents living along the foothills should be prepared for strong winds as a precursor to the approaching storm.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory in anticipation of Friday's snowstorm. The areas that will be directly affected include parts of the high country and the Western Slope.

While the Denver metro area may not see snowfall until mid-morning on Friday, the storm is projected to first hit the higher elevations and western regions. The winter weather advisory will be in effect from 9 p.m. Thursday through 5 p.m. Friday for the areas identified in purple on the advisory map.

This impending snowfall is being enthusiastically welcomed by ski areas in the region, as it promises to deliver a fresh batch of powder for outdoor enthusiasts.

A winter weather advisory is typically issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the presence of certain weather conditions. These conditions typically include snowfall ranging from 3-5 inches in a 12-hour period or the presence of freezing rain accompanied by sleet and/or snow.

Given the potential impact of this storm, the winter weather advisory could potentially be upgraded to a winter storm warning if heavy snowfall of at least 6 inches within 12 hours, or at least 8 inches within 24 hours, is expected.

The Pinpoint Weather team will continue to closely track the progression of this storm as it approaches Colorado late Thursday evening.

Residents in the Denver metro area are advised to stay prepared for the upcoming storm and monitor the latest weather updates provided by the Pinpoint Weather team. Additional weather resources and important alerts can be found on FOX31, ensuring that residents remain informed and ready for any changes brought about by this winter storm.