Denver hits a hot, hazy 96°F today before monsoon moisture fires up storms this afternoon, with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms between noon and 3 PM MT that could linger into the evening. If you’ve got outdoor plans, front-load them before lunch — the National Weather Service in Boulder says a “Denver cyclone” is expected to set up over the metro by afternoon as low-level winds swing southeasterly, kicking off storms along the convergence zone that drift slowly east across the plains through the evening.
Today’s Setup
Morning starts mild near 68°F under mostly clear skies with light south-southwest wind. Highs climb to near 96°F by early afternoon, then actually fall back to around 91°F as storms move in. Wind stays light out of the north-northwest at 3 to 9 mph, gusting to 16 mph.
Best Window To Be Outside
Get your outdoor time in before noon. Morning is your window for a Wash Park run, Cherry Creek Trail ride, or nine holes before the clubs go back in the bag — golf weather is excellent early, then risky by mid-afternoon once storms fire along the I-25 corridor and foothills outflow boundaries roll through.
Rain, Wind, Fire, Or Heat Risk
No SPC severe weather outlook is currently posted for the Denver area, but the local forecast office notes SBCAPE around 1500-2000 j/kg this afternoon and can’t rule out an isolated marginal severe storm. The bigger concern is rain rates: precipitable water values over the high terrain are running 150-200% above normal, so expect locally heavy downpours and a localized flash flood threat, especially near the foothills and along Cherry Creek. If you’re near a burn scar or low-lying spot, keep an eye on the sky after lunch.
What To Wear Or Bring
Light, breathable clothes for the heat, sunscreen for that intense Front Range sun, and a rain layer for the afternoon pop-up storms. Pool day at the neighborhood pool? A pool float lounger makes the wait between storm cells more comfortable. Given the flash flood risk, it’s also a smart week to check your drainage — gutter guards help keep runoff moving instead of pooling at your foundation.
Rockies fans headed to Coors Field for tonight’s game against the Washington Nationals should watch the radar closely for that noon-to-3 PM window; gates-open tailgating looks fine, but bring a poncho for later innings. Grab a Colorado Rockies jersey or Colorado Rockies fitted cap before first pitch, and find tickets on SeatGeek if you’re still deciding. Over at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, The Strokes play tonight — the amphitheater’s foothill location puts it right in the path of that heavier terrain rainfall, so pack a light rain jacket; find tickets on StubHub.
Helpful Links
Cooling off at home is easier with the right setup — check out outdoor gear deals for pool floats before the weekend heat returns.
Tonight’s Dinner
With the grill window open before storms roll in, this is a good night to fire up 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 things clean between storm-dodging cookouts. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Thursday stays unsettled with a high near 88°F and storms likely again as monsoon moisture holds on — good news for Colorado Rapids fans heading to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park for Thursday’s match against San Diego FC, but keep rain gear handy. The NWS expects storm coverage to ease by Friday into the weekend, with mountain areas still seeing scattered afternoon storms while temperatures climb back into the upper 90s to lower 100s by early next week. If you’re planning ahead for Megan Moroney: The Cloud 9 Tour at Ball Arena on July 28, read our full concert weather guide — and grab a Megan Moroney t-shirt now before it’s showtime.
