Denver stepped out to clear skies and crisp air early Wednesday, with temperatures sitting around 54°F at local observation sites. That cool start will not last long. A quick warmup is on tap, with afternoon highs making a run at 90°F and a slight chance of late-day showers or storms.
Afternoon Heat With a Side of Storm Risk
Mostly sunny skies this morning are expected to build toward a high near 91°F by mid to late afternoon. South-southeast winds should run about 1 to 12 mph, with gusts up to around 18 mph. After about 3 p.m., there is a small shot at showers and thunderstorms, mainly along the Front Range and foothills, with overall odds around 20 percent, according to the NWS Denver/Boulder.
Winds Kick Up Later in the Day
Through the afternoon, winds are expected to turn more southerly and strengthen a bit, then trend south-southwest overnight with gusts reaching into the low 20s. Forecasters note that any stronger late-day storm could throw out brief but punchy outflow gusts in spots. Drivers, cyclists, and outdoor workers should be ready for sudden blasts of wind.
Fire Weather Watch on the Horizon
Later in the week, dry air teaming up with breezy conditions has forecasters eyeing elevated to critical fire weather across parts of the northern mountains and plains on Thursday. Residents are urged to skip any outdoor burning and keep a close watch on grills and barbecues. Open wood burning in Denver requires a permit, according to the City and County of Denver.
Week Ahead: Warm Now, Cooler Hit Coming
Above-normal warmth is expected to hang around through the weekend, with highs generally in the mid-80s to low-90s from Thursday through Sunday. A cooler system is forecast to move in early next week, knocking highs back into the low 60s on Monday. A small chance of afternoon storms lingers through Saturday, with the best coverage expected today and Thursday if fire weather concerns develop as expected.
For now, plan on sun and heat this afternoon. Hydrate, wear sunscreen, and check updated forecasts before evening outdoor plans, especially if storms manage to fire.
