Denver wakes up on Tuesday, July 21, under clear skies and comfortable air, with temperatures near 70°F and a light north breeze. The cool start will not last long - the city is expected to heat up quickly toward a high near 95°F. A small chance of late-day showers or thunderstorms could clip evening plans, so outdoor activities should be good through most of the afternoon with a brief window for pop-up storms later on.
Today And This Afternoon
Mostly sunny conditions are expected to stick around into the afternoon, with just a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after about 3 p.m. MDT on Tuesday, July 21. The forecast calls for a high near 95°F, northeast winds around 5 to 10 mph and gusts that could reach 17 mph. Where storms do develop, they could bring brief heavy rain and stronger gusts that move through quickly. This outlook comes from the National Weather Service Denver/Boulder.
Midweek Storm Risk
On Wednesday, July 22, monsoonal moisture starts to move into the region, and both the coverage and strength of storms are expected to ramp up through Thursday, July 23. The forecast office notes that some storms could move slowly and drop locally heavy rain, which raises the risk for localized flash flooding in spots that get hit more than once. People who live or travel near small streams, drainageways, or known flood-prone neighborhoods should be ready for short-lived travel issues during the late afternoon and evening hours.
Weekend Heat
After the midweek stormier pattern, drier air and a rebuilding upper-level ridge are expected to push temperatures back into the upper 90s to near 100°F by the weekend. Saturday, July 25, is currently forecast to top out near 98°F, with Sunday, July 26, close behind at around 99°F across the metro area. Overnight lows are expected to hang in the mid to upper 60s. If the heat hangs near 100°F for multiple days, the city may activate extra cooling resources. Residents can check the City and County of Denver for details on cooling centers and what triggers their opening.
What To Do
To handle the heat, drink plenty of water and try to move strenuous outdoor activities away from the hottest part of the day, roughly from about 1 to 6 p.m. Secure lightweight outdoor items before those gusty evening breezes or a passing storm show up. Never drive through standing water, since even shallow, fast-moving water can stall a vehicle and damage or wash out roads. Be ready to adjust your plans quickly if a storm heads your way. No watches or warnings are in effect this morning, but that could change as storms develop, so keep an eye on local forecasts and official city alerts for any updates.
