Denver is heading into a warm, partly sunny Thursday with highs near 87°F — tantalizingly close to the all-time record high of 87°F set at Denver International in 2013 — and westerly winds gusting up to 21 mph by afternoon. If you’ve got outdoor plans, get moving early.
Today’s Setup
Skies will be partly sunny across the metro, with temperatures climbing into the mid-to-upper 80s through midday. West winds of 7 to 13 mph develop through the morning, and compressional heating off the Rockies could push the city right up to that record. Precipitation chances are just 12%, so neighborhoods from Capitol Hill to Washington Park should stay dry all day.
Fire Weather Alert
This is today’s biggest concern. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning from 11 AM to 9 PM MDT for Colorado’s northern plains, where relative humidity is expected to drop to 8–13% this afternoon. Cross-barrier winds will mix down from altitude to the surface. If you’re north of Denver toward the Fort Collins corridor, no outdoor burning — period. Smoke could drift into metro areas; keep a HEPA air purifier running indoors and grab a pollen count face mask if you’re spending extended time outside near any fire activity.
Allergy Watch
Gusting afternoon winds and near-90°F warmth are a rough combination for Denver allergy sufferers. Grass and tree pollen will run high across the metro today. Keep allergy relief nasal spray handy, and consider keeping windows shut during peak afternoon gusts.
Best Window To Be Outside
Head out before 11 AM MDT. Morning temps in the 60s–70s with lighter winds make it ideal for a run along the Cherry Creek Trail, a quick 9 holes, or yard work. A cordless lawn mower handles the grass best before the gusty afternoon arrives. Come evening, once the winds settle after sunset, an outdoor patio setup — lit up with TIKI Brand citronella torch fuel — is a perfect way to cap a warm spring night.
Tonight’s Events
Denver has a packed Thursday lineup. John Mulaney w/ Mike Birbiglia takes the stage at Ford Amphitheater — an outdoor venue, so layer up as temps fall to the low 60s by showtime. Yebba performs at Summit Music Hall, and the MJ (Touring) show at the Buell Theatre is a great indoor alternative. Get tickets on SeatGeek or Find tickets on StubHub before you head out.
Rockies Weekend and Playoff Hockey
The Colorado Rockies host the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field on May 15, 16, and 17 — and the weather sets up nicely for at least the first two games. Friday tops near 85°F and mostly sunny; Saturday still warm before the weekend pattern turns wetter. Pack a Colorado Rockies jersey and a Colorado Rockies fitted cap for the ballpark. On Sunday, May 17, the Colorado Avalanche face the Minnesota Wild in Game 4 of the second-round playoffs at Ball Arena. That same evening, Baby Keem’s Ca$ino Tour lands at Fillmore Auditorium — an indoor show, so no weather worries there.
Dinner Tonight
With near-87°F heat, keep the kitchen cool — a light pasta primavera or a quick veggie stir-fry is all you need tonight. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door. Pair it with a cold drink on the patio once the evening wind settles.
Next Few Days
- Friday, May 15: Sunny and near 85°F. A slight chance of rain showers between 3–4 PM MDT, but the morning and midday are clear. Check outdoor gear deals if you want to make the most of the warm stretch.
- Saturday, May 16: Still warm, but the wetter trend begins.
- Sunday–Monday: The National Weather Service says conditions turn “wetter and cooler, especially by late Sunday and Monday.” Keep an eye on the Denver weather forecast as storm chances build into next week.
