Denver, Colorado – Heat is building quickly across the Front Range, but high temperatures aren’t the only concern today. Air quality is expected to deteriorate through the afternoon as ozone levels climb across the Denver metro, creating unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups while scattered thunderstorms develop later in the day.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, an Ozone Action Day Alert remains in effect until 4 p.m. MDT today for the Front Range Urban Corridor, including Denver, Boulder, Jefferson, Douglas, Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Larimer and Weld counties. Ozone pollution may reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category during the afternoon and evening, particularly in and near the Denver metro area. People with asthma or other lung diseases, along with children and older adults, should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
According to the National Weather Service, Denver will reach 96 degrees today under mostly cloudy skies before a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms develops after 2 p.m. While storms may provide localized cooling, they could also produce brief gusty winds, lightning and locally heavy rain. Travelers on Interstates 25, 70 and C-470 should watch for rapidly changing conditions during the afternoon and evening commute.
Thunderstorm chances continue through the middle of the week, with highs easing into the lower 90s Tuesday and Wednesday before climbing back into the mid-90s later in the week. Daily afternoon storms remain possible, a typical summertime pattern that can quickly change conditions across the Front Range.
Residents can help reduce ozone formation by limiting vehicle trips, avoiding idling for more than 30 seconds, and postponing gasoline-powered lawn work until evening if possible. Stay hydrated in the heat, wear lightweight clothing and seek shade during the hottest part of the day.
Five-Day Forecast for Denver, Colorado
- Today: Mostly cloudy. High 96°. 40% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High 92°. Thunderstorms likely (60% chance).
- Wednesday: Partly sunny. High 92°. Showers and thunderstorms likely (60% chance).
- Thursday: Mostly sunny. High 94°. 20% chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
- Friday: Sunny. High 95°. Slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
