Denver started Wednesday, July 1, on a deceptively calm note, with clear skies and a cool 55°F at 5:35 a.m. MDT. By afternoon, that quiet start gives way to low 90s, gusty winds, and patchy smoke sliding along the Front Range. A Red Flag Warning is posted for parts of the region from noon to 8 p.m., with the roughest fire-weather conditions expected near the southern foothills, South Park, and the Palmer Divide.
Afternoon Heat And Smoke
Sun is set to take over by midmorning, pushing highs to around 92°F. Forecasters say patchy smoke is most likely between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., while the chance of late-day showers or thunderstorms stays low at around 20%. Southeast winds of 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 16 mph, could spread haze across the metro, trimming visibility and bothering people who are sensitive to poor air quality. These forecast details come from the National Weather Service.
What To Do Today
During the Red Flag Warning this afternoon, officials want people to avoid open burning, hold off on any spark-producing yard work, and skip personal fireworks. It is also a good time to tie down or move loose patio furniture and to check on neighbors who may struggle with the heat or smoke. Anyone with respiratory issues should stay inside with windows closed and air conditioners set to recirculate when possible. Local authorities note that open burning restrictions and other fire-safety rules are in effect under Red Flag conditions; see Boulder County for local guidance.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Later today, southwest winds aloft are expected to mix down to the surface, producing gusts up to about 35 mph in South Park, the southern foothills, and along the Palmer Divide, while humidity drops into the single digits in some locations. That combination of dry fuels, low humidity, and gusty winds is what supports the Red Flag Warning from noon to 8 p.m. The National Weather Service highlights an elevated to critical fire-weather threat in those areas and urges people to use extra caution during the warning period.
Looking Ahead
The heat does not back off much after today. Hot, dry weather continues through the rest of the week, with highs near 94°F on Thursday and into the mid-90s on Friday. Overnight lows stay on the mild side, generally in the upper 50s to low 60s. Scattered afternoon storms are possible by the weekend, with the next noticeable chance arriving Sunday and early next week. If you are planning to be outside over the holiday weekend, keep an eye on the forecast, since conditions may change quickly and any pop-up thunderstorm could bring brief strong gusts or a quick downpour.
