The Mile High City is bracing for rough weather, as the National Weather Service in Denver forecasted. Residents and visitors in the Denver area can expect a mixed bag of sun and showers over the week, but the immediate concern hovers over potential severe afternoon thunderstorms. According to the National Weather Service, today has a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon.
The National Weather Service has also issued a hazardous weather outlook for northeast and north central Colorado. Early this afternoon, thunderstorms will develop, primarily targeting areas near and north of I-70. Moving northeast through the afternoon and evening, locals should be alert as these storms are expected to become severe, with large and damaging hail being the most significant threat. Misplaced amongst the list of potential dangers, the possibility of isolated tornadoes should not be underestimated. Commuters and residents through the northeast plains, especially in Logan, Sedgwick, Phillips, and Northern Washington Counties, should stay vigilant into the mid-evening.
Looking ahead, the forecast for the remainder of the week seems slightly more benign. After Monday, we see a drop-off in storm activity. The forecast from the National Weather Service promises sunnier skies with "a high near 72" for Tuesday and even warmer temperatures stretching towards the weekend, peaking with "a high near 84" on Friday.
Meanwhile, for spotters and those with a keen interest in meteorology, the National Weather Service advises that Spotter activation will not be needed today or tonight. However, always eager for data, they encourage reports of any severe weather instances. While the clear skies predating turbulent clouds can often provide a false sense of calm, it's important to remember that the winds picking up later in the week, with gusts "as high as 26 mph" on Tuesday and 25 mph on Wednesday, could cause unexpected conditions quickly.
