Denver is in for a notably cooler Thursday, with a high near 78°F, smoky skies from wildfires to the west, and a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms developing through the afternoon and evening — a welcome break from the recent heat but a good reason to keep an eye on the radar all day.
Today’s Setup
A surface low to the south is funneling cool, moist easterly air into the Front Range metro, keeping temperatures from climbing much above the mid-70s today. The National Weather Service expects scattered showers through midday, followed by a mix of showers and thunderstorms into the evening. Smoke transported from wildfires to the west continues to drape hazy, milky skies across Denver — air quality is a genuine concern, particularly near the foothills and along the I-70 corridor. Winds are light, 3 to 8 mph out of the northeast.
Best Window To Be Outside
Late morning — roughly 10 AM to noon MT — is your cleanest window for a walk along the Cherry Creek Trail, a loop through City Park, or outdoor errands before things get messy. The National Weather Service notes terrain will drive convective initiation today, so mountain hikers should plan to be off exposed ridgelines by early afternoon. Storm intensity is expected to be lower than recent days, with rainfall totals likely under a tenth of an inch, but a few strong storms are still possible for the plains if skies clear early enough.
Rain and Smoke Risk
Thursday night stays unsettled, with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms and a low near 57°F. This is not a major flooding event for the metro, but smoke remains the persistent story — sensitive groups, kids, and anyone with respiratory concerns should limit prolonged outdoor exposure. The haze isn’t going anywhere fast.
Events This Weekend: Weather-Proof Your Plans
Friday (June 26) is a massive outdoor night. The R&B Tour featuring Usher Raymond & Chris Brown plays Empower Field at Mile High — and Friday warms sharply to near 89°F, with storm chances returning in the late afternoon. Arrive early, check the radar around 4 PM MT, and dress in layers. Rep the show with an Usher Raymond & Chris Brown t-shirt, Usher Raymond & Chris Brown hoodie, or Usher Raymond & Chris Brown hat — and lock in your seats via Get tickets on SeatGeek or Find tickets on StubHub.
Also Friday: Widespread Panic at Red Rocks Amphitheatre — one of the most weather-exposed venues in Colorado. Watch the late-afternoon radar closely before heading up the mountain. For outdoor-ready gear, browse outdoor gear deals before you go.
Looking ahead, the Colorado Rockies host the Miami Marlins at Coors Field on June 29 (Monday). The weekend outlook turns warmer and drier across the metro — solid baseball weather. Gear up with Official team gear on Fanatics.
Fire Weather Alert for the High Country
The National Weather Service is flagging widespread and prolonged critical fire weather conditions in the high country this weekend, as warm, dry, and windy conditions develop. If you’re heading into the mountains — hiking, camping, or catching Primus at Dillon Amphitheater on Saturday — treat any open flame with extreme caution and check current fire restrictions before you go.
Dinner Tonight
A cool, drizzly Thursday evening calls for something warm and low-effort — pasta or a quick stir-fry is the move, ready before any storm rolls through. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Friday climbs to near 89°F as the storm system exits and skies clear. Saturday and Sunday trend warmer and drier across the metro — great conditions for outdoor concerts, festivals, and weekend activities. The high country fire weather risk is the main concern heading into the weekend. Stay weather-aware and enjoy what’s left of June, Denver.
