Denver starts this Thursday, July 9, on the cool side at about 61F near Denver Executive, but the calm will not last long. Temperatures are expected to jump toward a high near 90F this afternoon, with a growing shot at thunderstorms after noon. Scattered to numerous storms are expected across the plains and the Front Range foothills from afternoon into the evening, and a few could turn severe with large hail, strong outflow winds, and brief heavy downpours. Gusts under stronger storms could reach the mid-teens in mph, and localized flash flooding is possible where storms slow down or repeatedly track over the same spot. If you have outdoor plans, it is wise to be ready to move things inside from mid-afternoon through early evening.
Afternoon Storms And Impacts
The best chance for scattered to numerous thunderstorms arrives after noon, with coverage peaking from midday into the early evening. The National Weather Service notes that a few storms could deliver large hail and damaging winds and puts the chance of rain around 50% for much of the metro this afternoon. Most areas should see less than a tenth of an inch of rain, although amounts could be higher where storms stall out. NWS Denver/Boulder will have the latest watches, warnings, and short-term updates. Sudden downpours may briefly cut visibility and cause ponding on highways, so if you drive into heavy rain, ease off the gas and leave extra room for braking.
Hot Weekend And Major Heat Risk Next Week
By Saturday, highs are expected to climb into the mid-90s, with readings near 96F, and a strengthening ridge early next week is projected to nudge temperatures toward 100F on Monday and Tuesday. The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment may open cooling centers if heat index thresholds are met; city guidelines generally call for activation when heat index values hit about 100F for two or more days in a row. The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment posts resources and facility lists for residents who do not have air conditioning. It is worth making a plan now for how you and anyone you care for without reliable indoor cooling will stay safe during next week’s heat.
What To Do
Keep phone weather alerts switched on and consider shifting outdoor activities earlier in the day so you are not caught outside during the afternoon storm window. Drink plenty of water, check in on neighbors who may be more vulnerable to heat, and have an indoor backup plan for events that could be disrupted by storms or extreme temperatures. If you encounter heavy rain while driving, slow down and avoid flooded streets, and if conditions worsen, follow instructions from local officials. We will update this space if any watches or warnings are issued for the Denver metro area.
