Denver wakes up to a cool, partly cloudy Thursday, with temperatures sitting near 54°F as of 5:15 a.m. MDT on May 28. Light south-southwest breezes are drifting across the metro, and humidity is running a bit higher than in recent days. Temperatures are expected to climb steadily through mid-morning and top out in the upper 70s this afternoon.
Afternoon Storm Risk
Showers and thunderstorms are on the menu after noon, with a high near 78°F and a decent shot at scattered storms by late afternoon. A few of those cells, especially near the foothills and along the I-25 corridor, could spit out small hail and brief bursts of heavy rain, although most neighborhoods are likely to see only light showers. New rainfall totals should stay under a tenth of an inch, but any stronger, isolated storm could briefly dump more, according to the National Weather Service Denver/Boulder.
Timing And Commute
Storms are expected to fire up near the foothills in the early to mid-afternoon, then slide east into the plains by the evening drive. If you are on the roads after 3 p.m., plan for pockets of reduced visibility and slick pavement. Localized gusts and quick downpours could slow traffic on I-25 and other eastbound routes. For more on how the setup might tangle with rush hour, check our rush-hour rumble coverage, as per Hoodline.
Weekend Outlook
Thunderstorm chances ramp up Friday and Saturday, with Saturday carrying the better shot at stronger, possibly severe storms. Highs should reach the low to mid-80s on Friday, then ease back a bit over the weekend. Forecasters say afternoon storms will stick around as a regular feature into early next week, keeping day-to-day outdoor plans a little uncertain, per the National Weather Service Denver/Boulder.
Quick Tips
If you have outdoor plans, build in a backup and be ready to head inside at the first sign of lightning. Avoid driving through standing water, and remember that even small hail can dent vehicles and turn sidewalks and decks into slippery hazards. Keep an eye on local radar and updates this afternoon, since conditions can flip from calm to stormy in a hurry.
