It's the calm before the snowstorm — or maybe not. Lately, "snowstorm" has been a relative word around Colorado.
After a storm many considered to be a dud early last week, some forecasters lost their personal cool on social media from the backlash of criticism.
Some broadcast-news forecasters called for a blizzard with more than a foot of snow in the metro area, which caused a minor panic: clearing some store shelves and closing many school districts in preparation for the worst.
Snowmaggdon didn't happen — but, here we go again.
Allegedly, Colorado will be getting snow starting Monday — potentially 10 to 15 inches — as a new front moves in.
Josh Larson, an independent meteorologist and a former climate analyst at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center, said it is too early to make a prediction for the next storm, although it could be up to 10 inches. Last time, he predicted a widespread 6-to-12 inches of snow.
"I'm not sure why people were so testy last time," Larson said. "When we get it right, it's expected and we don't get much praise. But when it's wrong, it messes with people's day and they are not happy."
Another facet to keep in mind is the definition of "Denver metro area." A vast number of people believe they live within it, so they expect that forecast to apply to them, Larson said.
"People in Castle Rock and Colorado Springs may think they live in that area," he said. "I live in Greeley and think I live in that area."
Bernie Meier, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service stationed in Boulder, said it will get cold and there is a strong chance of snow early this week, but it is too soon to forecast just how much.
"The variation of models makes it tough to forecast this far out," he said Friday.
However, some models do call for a greater amount of snow accumulation, he said.
As for the frustrations that go along with a missed forecast, it is to be expected, Meier said.
"Sometimes science doesn't lend itself to make exact calls," he said. "We predict the future. Normally, when people say they can do that, they are laughed at."
Kathy Sabine, 9News meteorologist, is calling for the weather to be cold and unsettled Monday through Wednesday.
"It's really tricky this time of year," she said.
The 9News meteorologists, like others in the state, were taken to task by some viewers for what they believed was a blown call early last week, she said.
"We give the best information we have when we have it," Sabine said.
Despite what some viewers may think, the 9News meteorologists take their work seriously and "just don't say whatever we feel," she said.
"We don't fool around," she said. "We know people are planning their day on the information we give them."