Denver’s forecast today (Friday, July 17) calls for sunny skies and a high near 95°F, with light wind and just a 2% rain chance — great weather for outdoor plans, but the heat means you’ll want to get things done early. The National Weather Service Denver/Boulder office says a Heat Advisory may be issued for the Denver Metro/I-25 corridor later today as high pressure builds in.
Today’s Setup
Skies stay mostly clear with north-northeast wind at just 3 to 8 mph, so it’s calm and bright across the metro. Overnight lows only dip to around 65°F before climbing back to near 69°F before sunrise — these July nights aren’t offering much of a cooldown right now.
Best Window To Be Outside
Get outside early. Mornings before 10 AM MT are the sweet spot for a run around Washington Park or a paddle at Cherry Creek Reservoir before temperatures climb into the 90s. By afternoon, direct sun makes shade and hydration more important than the clear skies suggest.
Heat Risk And Mountain Storm Timing
The NWS forecast discussion says this hot stretch continues through Monday, with Sunday and Monday bringing the highest temperatures as the upper-level ridge sits directly over Colorado. Saturday holds at a high near 96°F with sunny skies and 0% rain. Forecasters note scattered afternoon and early-evening storms are possible in the high country and I-70 corridor mountains through Sunday, while the plains — including Denver proper — stay dry. Relief arrives Tuesday, when monsoonal moisture moves in with cooler temperatures and thunderstorms capable of producing locally heavy rainfall.
What To Wear Or Bring
Light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a wide-brim hat are the move. Wind stays gentle enough for patio dining, but for an evening on the deck or grilling through occasional gusts up to 16 mph, a windproof lighter makes quick work of it.
Game Day, Concerts And Tonight’s Dinner
The Colorado Rockies host the Cincinnati Reds tonight at Coors Field, with sunny, dry weather also lined up for Saturday’s and Sunday’s games — comfortable tailgating conditions all around. Suit up in a Colorado Rockies jersey or Colorado Rockies fitted cap and grab tickets on SeatGeek before first pitch. Over at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, Tyler Childers with Jon Batiste play Saturday night under clear, mild skies — look for tickets on StubHub if you’re headed out.
With highs near 95°F, tonight is built for the grill — burgers, steaks, or grilled chicken with corn on the cob. An instant-read meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness, and a grill brush and scraper set keeps the grates ready. For something different, check our pellet grill guide to smoking tri-tip like brisket. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Expect sunny, dry weather Saturday (96°F) and an even hotter Sunday as the ridge peaks over Colorado, with Monday staying hot before Tuesday’s monsoonal moisture brings cooler air and better rain chances. For more heat-ready gear, browse outdoor gear deals.
