Denver kicked off Monday, April 20, under clear skies and brisk morning air, sitting around 48°F at the Buckley airport. That cool start will not last. Temperatures are set to jump into the upper 70s and low 80s through Tuesday and Wednesday, with Monday expected to top out near 80°F and Tuesday pushing close to 83°F. That early week heat, combined with dry, gusty winds, is setting the stage for a risky stretch for fires across the plains and foothills.
Gusty Southwest Winds Wednesday, April 22
By Wednesday afternoon and evening, April 22, winds are forecast to crank up, especially across downslope areas and the eastern metro. Widespread gusts in the 30 to 40 mph range look likely. According to the National Weather Service in Denver/Boulder, relative humidity could sink into the single digits on the plains and the low teens in the foothills. That combination is a classic setup for elevated to critical fire weather conditions. If those ingredients come together, even small ignitions could spread quickly, and overnight humidity recovery into Thursday will be poor.
How To Prepare For Wednesday
This is a good week to rethink any plans involving flames or sparks. Postpone open burning and spark-producing yard work on Wednesday and Thursday, and secure loose patio furniture before the gusty afternoons arrive. The City and County of Denver already bans open burning inside city limits, so stick to propane or charcoal grills and double-check any additional local restrictions. Keep a hose or fire extinguisher within reach, and shift outdoor events to earlier in the day where winds and fire danger are a bit more manageable.
Late Week Cool Down And Rain Chances
A Pacific system is projected to roll in late Thursday, April 23, knocking daytime highs back into the upper 60s and bringing a chance for rain and mountain snow Thursday night into Friday. Friday's forecast calls for a chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high near 62°F, followed by a cooler weekend with afternoon highs in the mid 50s and repeated chances for rain and snow. If you have plans from Friday through Sunday, keep an eye on updated forecasts, since timing and coverage of the wet weather could still shift.
Bottom line, enjoy the warm and sunny start to the week, but treat Wednesday, April 22, as a high caution day, especially if you live in the foothills or the eastern suburbs. Check the National Weather Service forecast and local advisories before lighting any fires or kicking off outdoor projects.
