Denver’s Friday brings a smoky start, sunshine, and a high near 92°F before the pattern turns stormier for the Fourth of July weekend. Areas of smoke linger before noon, clearing to sunny skies with temperatures actually easing back to around 90°F by afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Today is your best window for outdoor chores and errands before storm chances build later in the holiday.
Today’s Setup
Expect areas of smoke early, then sunny skies with a high near 92°F, falling to around 90°F in the afternoon as an upper-level ridge builds in. Winds stay light out of the ENE at 3 to 7 mph, gusting to 16 mph. Overnight, temperatures drop to a comfortable low near 62°F, then rise to about 64°F by Saturday morning under partly cloudy skies with NNW winds 3 to 9 mph.
Best Window To Be Outside
Morning through early afternoon is the sweet spot before a weak upper-level disturbance forecasters at the Denver/Boulder office expect to swing near or north of the area late Friday afternoon and evening. That disturbance, plus possible leftover outflow boundaries from overnight storms to the north, could spark isolated activity, though most of it should stay north of the metro.
Fire Danger And Storm Risk
The National Weather Service has flagged critical fire weather conditions in South Park through Friday, so use extra caution with any open flame or spark-prone equipment if you’re headed toward the foothills. In town, it’s worth confirming your smoke detector combo pack is working and keeping a garden hose 100ft within reach near dry landscaping. East-central Colorado holds the better chance of an isolated strong-to-severe storm with large hail today, and Independence Day brings a 20% chance of showers and storms after 3 PM with near-normal temperatures — forecasters note those could also turn strong to severe.
What To Wear Or Bring
Light layers and sunscreen suit today’s dry heat; quick dry swim trunks are a smart call for the pool or a reservoir, and a 2-Person Intex Floating Lounge with Cooler is an easy way to beat the heat on the water.
Game Day And Concerts
The Colorado Rockies host the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field on July 4, with sunny skies, a high near 90°F, and only a slight afternoon storm chance for tailgating — grab a Colorado Rockies jersey or Colorado Rockies fitted cap and Get tickets on SeatGeek. That same night, Ed Sheeran brings the LOOP Tour to Empower Field At Mile High; pack an Ed Sheeran hat and Find tickets on StubHub. Don Toliver’s Octane Tour hits Ball Arena on July 5 — see our Don Toliver concert coverage and grab a Don Toliver t-shirt for the show.
Fourth Of July Cookout
With a high near 90°F and just a slight storm chance, it’s a solid day for backyard grilling — the pork loin under $1/lb smoking guide is worth a look. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door, including Amazon Fresh groceries for last-minute sides.
Next Few Days
Near-normal temperatures and scattered afternoon storms, some potentially strong to severe, are expected on the Fourth, per the National Weather Service. If Eric Church at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on July 6 is on your calendar, Find tickets on StubHub and keep checking the forecast as this active, smoky-to-stormy pattern evolves.
