Denver wakes up cool but dry this Sunday, April 12, with clear skies and temperatures around 46°F. By afternoon, though, the city will heat up quickly. Sunshine dominates and highs climb into the mid to upper 70s. Southwest winds pick up through the day, and the very dry air will make it feel a touch hotter than the numbers suggest. With dry grasses and brush across parts of the foothills and plains, that warm, gusty setup brings an elevated wildfire risk for some neighborhoods.
Afternoon Fire Weather Risk
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday for the southern foothills, South Park, the Palmer Divide, and portions of the eastern plains. Those zones are set to see the strongest gusts and the driest fuels, so officials urge people to skip open flames and debris burning while the warning is in effect, according to the NWS Denver/Boulder.
What To Expect Today
Across the plains, sunshine should rule the day and temperatures are expected to top out near 77°F. In the Denver metro area, southwest winds of about 7-13 mph will be common, with gusts around 20-22 mph in town and stronger gusts closer to the foothills. It is a good day to tie down loose patio furniture and plan lawn work or other outdoor chores for morning or evening when winds are a bit calmer and humidity is slightly higher.
Monday Into Tuesday
Looking ahead, forecasters have also posted a Fire Weather Watch for Monday afternoon and evening covering many of the same areas. After that, a cooler system arrives Tuesday with a solid chance of rain showers and highs dropping into the 60s. At higher elevations, that moisture could fall as mountain snow, according to the NWS. If you have outdoor plans on Monday, keep an eye on local county burn restrictions and NWS updates in case watches are upgraded or adjusted.
Practical Tips
Skip any open burning today, secure loose gear outside, and give extra space to high-profile vehicles on exposed stretches of highway where gusts can push them around. Make sure people and pets stay hydrated, and check your county and National Weather Service pages for the latest warnings before doing any spark-producing work outdoors.
