Friday, June 26, started calmly in Denver, with clear skies and a cool 57°F before sunrise, but the quiet will not last. The city warms quickly today, with highs near 88°F and a chance for afternoon storms, so you may want to keep those outdoor plans on standby.
What To Expect This Afternoon
After midday, a few scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible, mainly in a window from about 2 to 6 p.m., with a roughly 30–34% chance of precipitation across the metro. The strongest storms are most likely east of I‑25, where brief heavy rain, small hail, and damaging outflow winds could develop, according to the National Weather Service. The storms should wind down by early evening, leaving a quieter but warmer night.
Afternoon Winds And Commute
Southerly to southeast winds will pick up around midday and can kick even higher with any storm outflow, with gusts of 30–40 mph possible in stronger cells. If you are out on the roads this afternoon, be ready for sudden gusts and brief drops in visibility that may slow the commute. Our June 22 Hoodline update breaks down likely timing and travel impacts if you need a refresher.
Weekend Heat And Fire Danger
The pattern turns much hotter and drier for the weekend, with highs climbing into the mid to upper 90s: around 95°F on Saturday, June 27, and near 97°F on Sunday, June 28. The National Weather Service warns of "widespread and prolonged critical fire weather conditions" in the high country and has issued a Red Flag Warning for Saturday, June 27, from 11 a.m. to midnight. Sustained winds in the high country could reach 25–30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. For anyone without air conditioning, the city is opening cooling options; check Denver7 for local cooling center locations and hours.
How To Prepare
Shift outdoor activities to the morning or later evening, and secure loose patio furniture or yard items that could turn into projectiles in a gust. Have a quick plan to get indoors if storms build overhead. Stay hydrated, check on older neighbors and pets, and if you are heading into the mountains this weekend, treat the combination of wind and low humidity as a serious fire threat. Do not light any fires, and report smoke or active flames to 911 immediately.
