Denver is in for a classic May storm day — showers and thunderstorms are likely this afternoon, with a high near 59°F and a 70% chance of precipitation. Keep plans flexible and check the Denver weather forecast before heading out.
Today’s Setup
A slow-moving upper-level trough parked to our northwest is pumping moisture into the Front Range. The National Weather Service expects a chance of rain before noon, with showers and thunderstorms most likely between noon and 3 PM MT. Here’s the wild card: NWS forecasters are watching for a Denver cyclone developing near the urban corridor this afternoon, which raises the possibility of landspouts — brief spin-up tornadoes that don’t require a supercell. No severe storms are expected overall, but if you’re near the Platte River Greenway, City Park, or along the I-25 corridor mid-afternoon, have an indoor backup plan ready.
Best Window To Be Outside
Get outdoor errands and yard work done before noon. South-southwest winds stay light at 2 to 8 mph — not blustery, just wet. Storm chances ease back to around 40% after sunset, with a low near 43°F overnight.
Rockies Game and Local Events
The Colorado Rockies host the Texas Rangers at Coors Field today. Peak storm timing hits between noon and 3 PM MT, though evening chances ease a bit — still, bring a compact travel umbrella and plan for a damp commute to the ballpark. Rep the home team with a Colorado Rockies jersey or a Colorado Rockies fitted cap and stay dry in the stands. Need seats? Get tickets on SeatGeek or Find tickets on StubHub.
Over at Ball Arena tonight, the Colorado Avalanche face the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1 of the Third Round — fully indoors, no weather worries there.
Looking ahead, Flipturn plays Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Thursday, May 21. NWS forecasters are flagging Thursday as a higher-storm-risk day than today, with large hail the main hazard for the afternoon, especially in southeastern Denver suburbs. Red Rocks crowds: bring your packable rain jacket and keep an eye on the timing. Get tickets on SeatGeek before they sell out.
What To Wear Or Bring
Layer up today. A packable rain jacket is the MVP of this forecast — light enough if the sun sneaks out, essential when cells fire up by noon. Waterproof hiking boots are smart if you’re hitting any trails or spending time on wet pavement. And never leave home without a compact travel umbrella on a day like this.
Rainy Day Dinner Idea
A stormy 59°F Wednesday was made for chili. Load up a programmable slow cooker before you head out and come home to dinner ready. Prefer stovetop? Beef stew in an enameled cast iron Dutch oven is pure comfort after a soggy day. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Thursday warms to near 66°F but brings stronger, more widespread storms — NWS highlights large hail as the primary hazard, especially in the Palmer Divide and southeastern metro. A cold front pushes through Thursday night into Friday, nudging temps down a few more degrees. Then the reward: the National Weather Service is calling for a clear warming and drying trend heading into the weekend. Stock up on outdoor gear deals now so you’re ready when the sun returns.
