Denver woke up to a hazy start on Friday, July 3, with patchy smoke hanging over the city and temperatures headed for the low 90s. The murky morning is expected to linger through the commute before skies turn mostly sunny and highs climb to around 92°F. Fire-weather concerns in the nearby high country will ramp up later Friday, a setup that could complicate some Fourth of July outdoor plans.
Patchy Smoke And Morning Haze
Patchy smoke will be most noticeable through late morning and could cut visibility while pushing up particulate levels across the northern Front Range. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued air-quality advisories for wildfire smoke and recommends that people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Check the advisory for the latest specifics before spending extended time outside.
Red Flag Fire Weather Friday Afternoon
According to the National Weather Service Denver/Boulder, a Red Flag Warning is in effect for South Park from noon to 7 p.m. MDT on Friday, July 3. Southwest winds could gust up to about 25 mph, and humidity may drop to around 6 percent. In those conditions, any fire that starts can spread quickly, so forecasters urge people in the warned area to skip open burning and keep fireworks stashed rather than lit.
Independence Day And Weekend Outlook
Saturday, July 4, should start mostly sunny, with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms popping up after about 3 p.m. Highs are expected to top out near 90°F. A ridge of high pressure rebuilds into the weekend, pushing highs into the low to mid 90s Sunday and Monday. By Tuesday and Wednesday, the chance of afternoon storms grows, with the potential for hail or strong winds. If you have outdoor plans lined up for the holiday stretch, keep an eye on updated forecasts.
What To Know For The Fourth
Heading to an outdoor gathering or fireworks show? Plan around lingering smoke and pockets of gusty wind, secure grills, and keep any ignition sources well away from dry grass. People with asthma or other respiratory issues should follow CDPHE guidance, consider shifting activities indoors or using a well-fitting mask, and double-check local event pages for possible schedule changes. For background on the ongoing smoke and earlier warnings, see our smoky skies and searing heat, as per Hoodline.
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