Denver-area skies were partly cloudy and temperatures hovered near 63 degrees early Saturday, but the forecast takes a sharper turn after lunch. Patchy fog should lift before 9 a.m., with showers and thunderstorms becoming more likely around noon and the strongest storm chances arriving during the afternoon. The high is expected to reach about 82 degrees before temperatures slide back toward the upper 70s.
Saturday Storms Could Bring Heavy Rain
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to become widespread from midafternoon into early evening, with the highest rain chances running roughly from 2 to 6 p.m. Stronger cells could produce hail, gusty winds and brief, intense downpours, according to the National Weather Service Denver/Boulder. Some storms could drop 1 to 2 inches of rain in 30 minutes, with isolated storm totals topping 3 inches.
A Flood Watch runs from 2 p.m. through 10 p.m. Saturday across portions of central and northeast Colorado, including the southern Front Range foothills, Palmer Divide, the I-25 corridor and the eastern plains. Recent rain has left soils more saturated, raising the risk of flooding in creeks, streams, low-lying areas and streets with poor drainage. Drivers should avoid water-covered roads and never attempt to cross a flooded roadway.
Sunday Keeps A Chance Of Storms
Saturday night will keep a chance of showers and thunderstorms into the evening, with skies turning partly cloudy and lows near 60 degrees. Sunday looks mostly sunny to start, with a high around 85 and a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Flood concerns should be lower than Saturday, but heavy rain and gusty winds remain possible in stronger storms.
Hotter And Drier Weather Arrives Monday
The pattern shifts quickly Monday, when sunny skies and a high near 88 are expected. Tuesday could reach 92 degrees under mostly sunny skies, followed by a cooler 87-degree Wednesday with another chance of afternoon storms; Thursday and Friday return to the low 90s with mostly sunny conditions and only limited storm chances.
Morning Plans Look Safer
Outdoor plans are best scheduled earlier Saturday, before thunderstorms become more likely after noon. If thunder is heard, move indoors and stay away from flooded drainage areas, creeks, and underpasses. Keep an eye on local alerts through the evening, since storm timing and the heaviest rainfall can vary sharply from one neighborhood to the next.
