The past three days reminded Coloradans that the state's weather patterns can make a dramatic change.

It doesn't seem that long ago that residents and motorists were digging out of snow that buried homes and vehicles, and complaining about unplowed streets.

Denver's record-tying high of 74 degrees on Tuesday melted much of what snow lingered from a seemingly unending stretch of storms beginning in December.

The high was tied at 3:34 p.m. at Denver International Airport, according to the National Weather Service. The previous record for March 13 was set in 1989 and tied in 2003. Tuesday's peak temperature was 3 degrees warmer than Monday's high.

People may be able to leave their jackets at home again today. The forecast is for highs from 66 to 72 degrees. Clouds are expected to move in by tonight, bringing about a 10 percent chance of showers.

By Thursday the thermometer is expected to dip some 20 degrees - remember, this is Colorado - with highs expected to reach the low 50s, along with another chance of rain, according to the weather service.

gutierrezh@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5204