Denver is waking up to a partly sunny Thursday morning with a high near 68°F, but afternoon thunderstorms are on the way — your best outdoor window is before noon, so plan accordingly. Check the Denver weather forecast for the latest timing updates.
Today’s Setup
A Denver cyclone is developing near the urban corridor today, pulling southeast winds and extra moisture into the area, per the National Weather Service. Mornings look partly sunny along the Front Range, but clouds build as storm chances ramp up after noon. Forecasters point to the I-25 corridor near the foothills as the likely trigger zone, with storm activity pushing east through the afternoon and into the evening. High near 68°F, with temperatures dipping toward 66°F as storms arrive.
Storm Risk: Hail Threat This Afternoon
Don’t write off today’s storms as routine pop-up showers. The National Weather Service notes wind shear values of 40–60 knots and mid-level lapse rates near 8°C/km — conditions that support supercell development and large hail east of the urban corridor onto the plains. Precipitation chance sits at 40%, with new rainfall likely staying under a tenth of an inch for most of the metro. The greatest threat extends east of Denver toward the plains this evening.
Best Window To Be Outside
Before noon is your green light. Loop around Sloan’s Lake, hit the Cherry Creek Trail, or finish outdoor errands before storm coverage increases. Once afternoon rolls in, carry a compact travel umbrella or a packable rain jacket — either one earns its keep today. Heading toward the foothills? Throw on waterproof hiking boots before you go. Browse outdoor gear deals for more storm-season essentials.
Red Rocks Alert Tonight
If you’re headed to flipturn at Red Rocks Amphitheatre tonight (May 21), keep NWS alerts on your phone. Red Rocks sits right at the foothills transition zone — exactly where storms are expected to initiate before marching east. Dress in layers and bring rain gear. Need an indoor backup? Find tickets on StubHub for covered venues around town.
Avalanche Playoff Hockey Friday
Friday’s forecast bounces back nicely — mostly sunny with a high near 64°F. Perfect timing for Colorado Avalanche vs. Vegas Golden Knights Game 2 on Friday, May 22 at Ball Arena. It’s indoors, so no weather worries, but show up early in your Colorado Avalanche jersey or Colorado Avalanche beanie for full playoff energy. Still need a seat? Get tickets on SeatGeek before they’re gone.
Comfort Food for a Stormy Night
With storms rolling in this afternoon, let your kitchen do the heavy lifting. Load a programmable slow cooker with chili or beef stew before you head out this morning, and dinner handles itself by the time the lightning starts. An enameled cast iron Dutch oven works just as well for a big pot of soup on the stovetop. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 64°F — the best day of the stretch. A few lingering showers possible south of I-70. If Friday’s clear skies have you thinking golf, the Callaway Big Bertha 23 Fairway Wood is $150 shipped right now.
Friday Night: Storms return, low near 45°F.
Weekend: Warmer and drier Saturday with only isolated afternoon shower chances. The Colorado Rapids vs. FC Dallas on Sunday, May 24 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park looks like a solid outdoor soccer day as weekend conditions improve.
