Denver started Saturday, July 11, on a mellow note, waking up to clear skies and a mild 63°F at the airport. Mother Nature, however, is not in a mellow mood for long. A stretch of hot, dry weather moves in today, pushing afternoon temperatures into the upper 90s with little chance for meaningful rain through much of next week. The hottest hours will land in the early to mid-afternoon under mostly sunny skies, so anyone planning to be outside should time activities carefully and bring extra water.
Afternoon Heat And Winds
Highs are expected to reach about 98°F on Saturday, around 97°F on Sunday, and stay in the mid to upper 90s through at least Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Humidity should stay low, so it will feel like a dry, baking heat rather than a sticky one. Breezes will pick up in the afternoons, and Sunday into Sunday night could bring sustained winds in the low teens with gusts into the 20s and isolated gusts approaching 33 mph.
That mix of heat and wind can make life tougher for outdoor workers, festival crowds, and anyone determined to squeeze in an afternoon workout. If you have big plans outside, keep an eye on short-term forecasts and be ready to adjust.
Nights And Cooling Centers
Overnight lows are expected to hold in the mid-60s, roughly 62 to 67°F, which should give many neighborhoods at least some relief once the sun goes down. The City and County of Denver generally opens recreation centers and libraries as daytime cooling centers only when the heat index is forecast to reach 100°F or higher for at least two days and nighttime temperatures stay above 75°F. The current forecast does not meet that trigger.
If you or someone you look after does not have reliable indoor cooling, it is still smart to plan. Check rec center and library hours, think through where you can spend the hottest part of the day, and line up a basic cooling plan. For official guidance on thresholds and shelter locations, see the City of Denver.
What To Do Today
Try to schedule strenuous outdoor activity for early morning or later in the evening, use sun protection, and drink plenty of water. Parked cars and pets can heat up dangerously fast, even in a “dry heat,” so do not leave kids or animals in vehicles, even for a short time.
Employers and event organizers should consider shifting schedules, adding shade, or providing extra rest breaks during peak afternoon hours. If someone shows signs of heat illness, such as dizziness, confusion, or a rapid heartbeat, move them to a cooler place and seek medical help.
Keep phone alerts on and stay tuned to local weather updates in case the forecast shifts or any advisories are issued.
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