Over the weekend, many Denver-area residents woke up to find the world blanketed in what may have looked like snow or dense frost — and for some, that frost may have had large crystals jutting out at every angle.

Called “hoarfrost,” this weather phenomenon only occurs when the air is cooled to the frost point and the water vapor bypasses the liquid stage as it condenses around items like tree branches, becoming instantly solidified as crystals instead of a soft frost.

Bundle up, Colorado! Subzero temperatures, wind and snow are headed for Denver this weekend, according to the National Weather Service. Light snow was already falling in northern Colorado’s mountains on Tuesday morning,

Dangerously cold in Denver this weekend

The City of Denver is extending its severe weather shelter activation into next week. South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol arrested, local media reports What’s The Difference Between Sea Salt And Table Salt?

Skies stay clear Tuesday night with light winds. Overnight lows will be close to seasonal averages, dipping into the upper teens. FOX31 Pinpoint Weather Chief Meteorologist Dave Fraser is tracking extreme cold across the area this weekend.

Sunny skies are back on Wednesday, and comfortable conditions continue. The Denver weather forecast has above-average temperatures by Thursday afternoon.