Denver woke up under a gray blanket today, with low clouds, cool air, and temperatures stuck in the low 50s. The clouds are expected to hang around for much of the day, and highs should top out near 68°F, roughly 15 to 20 degrees below a typical mid-June afternoon. If you are running errands or have outdoor plans, a light jacket will not be overkill.
Afternoon Storms Mainly South of I-70
There is a slight chance of light rain in the morning, with showers and a few thunderstorms possible this afternoon and evening, mainly along and south of I-70. Any rainfall totals are expected to be light, generally under a tenth of an inch.
The forecast from the National Weather Service in Boulder also points to a big warmup later in the week, with highs near 90°F on Tuesday, June 16, and near 99°F on Wednesday, June 17. That sharp temperature rebound could heighten fire weather concerns across the region. For the full breakdown, check the National Weather Service Denver/Boulder.
What To Expect This Afternoon
Hourly guidance nudges storm chances into the 20 to 30 percent range by late afternoon. Northeast winds should run around 6 to 10 mph, with gusts possibly reaching the mid teens.
Most showers are expected to be brief and to fall apart after sliding off the foothills. A quick heavy downpour or a few lightning strikes could still be enough to slow the evening commute, so it is worth keeping an eye on the sky if you are driving late in the day.
Heat And Fire Risk Next Week
Sunshine and a quick warmup arrive Monday, June 15, when highs climb into the upper 70s. From there, temperatures jump into the 90s on Tuesday and potentially the upper 90s on Wednesday.
Forecasters warn that the Tuesday and Wednesday combination of heat, lower humidity and increased winds will raise fire weather concerns across the region. If you are recreating outside, use extra caution with anything that could spark a fire and watch for any advisories.
How To Prepare
For today, layering up is a smart move, and keeping an umbrella handy is a good idea if you are heading toward the foothills where showers are more likely.
Looking ahead to the heat, if you or someone you know does not have air conditioning, local recreation centers and libraries often open as daytime cooling centers during heat events. You can find a current list at Denver7.
No watches or warnings are in effect for the Denver metro this morning. That could change as temperatures and winds ramp up later in the week, and we will pass along any updates if advisories are issued.
