Denver, Colorado – A sharp warmup will push temperatures across Colorado 10 to 20 degrees above normal by Friday afternoon, increasing snowmelt rates and raising early-season runoff concerns.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, there is an 80 to 90 percent probability of above-normal temperatures statewide through early next week. The Front Range, including Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins, sits in a high-confidence zone for sustained warmth.
Denver is expected to reach the upper 70s to low 80s by Saturday, with peak warmth between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Areas along the I-25 corridor will see dry and mild conditions, while the Western Slope, including Grand Junction, could push into the low 80s. Higher elevations will also warm significantly, accelerating snowmelt in the Rockies and increasing stream and river flows.
This expanding heat dome connects Colorado with Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, forming one of the broadest warmups of the season. At the same time, isolated afternoon showers may develop over eastern plains, bringing brief gusty winds and spotty rainfall.
Residents near rivers and streams should monitor rising water levels, especially during late-day melt cycles. The warming trend will persist through the weekend into early next week, with additional advisories possible as conditions evolve.
