A cold front has descended across eastern Colorado which will drop Tuesdays high temperatures by 20 or more degrees compared to Monday.

While the northern and southern parts of the eastern plains can expect temperatures in the low to mid-70s, the central plains will be even cooler, with highs in the upper 60s. Across the area, look for cloudy conditions Tuesday morning that will gradually clear later in the day.

Smoke from fires in Montana and the Pacific Northwest will be greatly reduced. Northeast Colorado is expected to remain dry, while some very isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible over the southern mountains.

Wednesday will warm up slightly, while normal temperatures in the 80s return Thursday across much of the area.

Colorado’s west slope won’t see relief from the heat as temperatures remain above average under mostly sunny skies. Upper 80s will be common, and Grand Junction can expect mid-90s. Showers and thunderstorms will develop over the mountains this afternoon and evening, producing strong, gusty winds but little rain.

Weather information updated throughout the day is available at http:KiowaCountyPress.net/weather