Champagne, family and auld acquaintances, TV set to your preferred network's "sure, why not" line-up of entertainers. It's New Year's Eve, folks.
But, as you may or may not have noticed, the elements have decided not to let 2018 go out easy (why, why). It's a cold, snowy Dec. 31 in Colorado, and it'll only be chillier come midnight.
Here's what to know in the evening's forecast, and in how to get home safe tonight.
The Weather Outside Is, Like, Really Frightful
Colorado weather decided to forego a white Christmas in favor of a white New Year.
The Denver metro is expected to pile on 2-4 inches of snow on the last day of 2018. As the sun sets, the temperature will settle in at a teeth-chattering 2 degrees.
If that forecast wasn't enough to make you cast a heartbroken glance over at your carefully planned New Year's Eve look, winds could also gust as high as 16 miles per hour.
"Whenever you combine temperatures under 20 degrees with winds above 10 miles per hour, you really want to try to cover exposed skin," National Weather Service forecaster Kyle Fredin said. "For the most part, bundle up."
So plan for another layer or two as you make your way to your party destination.
Get Yourself, And Everyone Around You, Home Safe
Listen, no one should have to be reminded not to drink and drive. But it happens, and the consequences can be awful. Last year, 232 Coloradans were killed in alcohol- or drug-related traffic accidents.
So keep your night of celebration just that. The Denver Police Department has vowed to be out through Jan. 2. Designate a driver or pool money for that group taxi or ride share trip home.
Or, consider using public transit. After all, RTD is waiving fares on all bus and rail services in metro Denver starting 7 p.m. on New Year's Eve until 2:59 a.m. on Jan. 2, 2019. Note that there will be some service disruptions on the 16th Street Mall Ride and the D, H and L lines due to those downtown fireworks you may or may not see through the cloud cover. All the details are here.
B-Cycle is also offering free rides up to 30 minutes today as part of its monthly Free Ride Monday program.
The Sawaya Law Firm in Denver and the McDivitt Law Firm in Colorado Springs and Pueblo will reimburse your cab ride home from your final night-out locale. Terms vary between the two firms, so read up before your first toast of the night.
