Denver gets a little weather whiplash this week. Saturday, February 14, starts partly cloudy and around 41°F, with sunshine building through the afternoon and a high near 59°F. Temperatures jump into the upper 60s on Sunday, February 15, and the metro stays dry through Monday, February 16. That warm, dry stretch, however, is exactly what sets the stage for a rougher turn on Tuesday, as forecasters eye gusty winds and very low humidity.
Weekend Outlook
Saturday shapes up mostly sunny with light winds that shift direction through the afternoon. Sunday is the real warmup, with a high near 68°F that makes it the prime day for yard work or a foothills hike. Humidity will run low across the plains and foothills, so skip any open-flame or debris burning, even if the air feels calm. Expect pleasant afternoons and cooler nights through Monday.
Tuesday Fire Weather Watch
A Fire Weather Watch is posted for Tuesday, February 17, covering the Front Range foothills, the I-25 urban corridor, and much of the northeast plains, generally from about 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. MST. West winds are forecast at 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph, and relative humidity is expected to drop into the low teens. Those conditions “will be favorable for rapid fire spread,” and the National Weather Service advises, “Avoid outdoor burning,” according to the National Weather Service. If you live in ridgetop suburbs or near the foothills, secure loose outdoor items and be ready to follow any local fire authority instructions.
What To Watch For Commutes And Outdoors
On Tuesday, February 17, gusty winds could blow debris and make high-profile vehicles unstable on I-25, I-70, and other exposed routes, so build in extra travel time and avoid stopping in open, wind-prone areas. Snow returns to the mountains Tuesday night into Wednesday, February 18, while the plains only see a slight chance of light snow late Tuesday into Wednesday, with limited impacts expected. Check updated forecasts before heading into the foothills or locking in outdoor projects next week.
Enjoy the sunny stretch this weekend, but take the midweek Fire Weather Watch seriously: avoid open burning, tie down loose items, and keep an eye on the latest forecasts as Tuesday approaches. If you live in fire-prone areas, sign up for local emergency alerts and the NWS notification feed.
.jpg){kind=link}