Denver is starting the day on the cool, blustery side, with temperatures around 43°F, humid air in place, and northwest winds near 33 mph reported at KBJC. Visibility is about 10 miles, but that steady breeze is dragging moisture up against the Front Range. In other words, the atmosphere is quietly loading the dice for scattered showers and a few strong thunderstorms this afternoon.
Afternoon Into Evening
Showers and thunderstorms become possible after noon as highs climb into the upper 60s around the city. The National Weather Service Denver/Boulder puts afternoon storm chances around 40%, with activity growing more widespread over the eastern plains by evening. Most spots will only see light rainfall, but any storm that really gets going could dump a quick, heavier downpour.
Storm Threats
Forecasters caution that storms over the eastern plains could pack some punch, with the potential for large hail, damaging wind gusts, and frequent lightning. An isolated tornado is not off the table. The strongest storms are most likely east of the main urban corridor, where richer moisture and stronger winds come together. Even the more routine cells could bring brief heavy rain and small hail, making roads slick and cutting down visibility in a hurry.
Timing And Commute
Storms are expected to pop near the foothills and along I-25 in the early to mid-afternoon, then slide east into the plains by early evening. A cold front is forecast to move through around 6 p.m., which may help line storms up and boost the odds of more widespread rain and gusty winds right as the evening drive is underway. If you are out on the roads later, build in extra time, slow down in heavy rain, and steer clear of standing water.
Weekend Outlook
Behind the front, Friday turns cooler with lingering showers mainly south of I-70. After that, the pattern tilts warmer and drier just in time for the holiday weekend. Saturday should be mostly sunny with highs near 71°F and only an isolated afternoon shower. Sunday and Memorial Day look like the warmest stretch, with highs in the low to mid-80s. For more on how this frosty start morphed into a soggy setup, check out our frosty-to-soggy storm pattern breakdown, as per Hoodline.
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