Denver woke up under clear skies and a cool start Sunday, with temperatures at the airport hovering near 50°F before sunrise. The cooldown will not last long. The metro is set to shoot into the upper 60s by midafternoon under bright sunshine and a light southwest breeze. Tonight stays on the mild side, but a gusty and very dry setup on the plains Monday has forecasters worried about how fast any fire could spread.
Afternoon Warmth
On Sunday, February 8, highs should land near 68°F across much of Denver, with most neighborhoods topping out in the mid to upper 60s. Monday, February 9, looks almost like a repeat performance, with highs expected to reach around 69°F. Daytime breezes today stay on the light side, around 5 to 10 mph, and overnight lows only slide into the mid to upper 30s, so the mild feel hangs on into the start of the workweek. If you are headed outside, the February sun will feel more like spring, so sunglasses and sunscreen are still smart gear.
Fire Weather Watch Monday
A Fire Weather Watch is posted for Monday morning through Monday afternoon, February 9, for parts of the eastern plains where gusty winds and very low humidity line up. According to the National Weather Service Denver/Boulder, relative humidity could drop into the teens, and gusts may approach 35 mph across exposed ridgetops and the plains, creating conditions that are favorable for rapid fire spread. This update follows our earlier warmup coverage, and it is a heads-up for residents on the plains and near the foothills to skip outdoor burning and make sure loose outdoor items are secured, as per Hoodline.
Midweek Shift
Forecast models point to a cooler pattern setting up by midweek, with the best chance for mountain snow arriving sometime between Wednesday and Thursday. Valleys could squeeze out a few rain showers Thursday or Friday, although current projections show only minor amounts for the Denver metro. If you have plans in the high country, it is worth checking updated forecasts closer to your travel date, since timing and snowfall totals could still shift. Expect daytime temperatures to trend cooler after Tuesday as the pattern flips.
Practical Tips
Take advantage of the sunny, springlike Sunday, but plan for Monday if you live on the eastern plains. Hold off on open flames, postpone any debris burning, and bring in or tie down patio furniture or anything else that might catch the wind. Event organizers and drivers of high-profile vehicles should keep an eye on conditions on Monday morning and afternoon and review the latest forecasts before hitting the road.
