DENVER, Colo. – A warm and sunny Columbus Day will quickly give way to a cooler, breezier stretch as a fall cold snap edges toward the Front Range early this week. After several unseasonably mild afternoons, gusty winds and a dip in temperatures will mark a noticeable shift by Tuesday across the Denver metro and along the I-70 corridor.
According to the National Weather Service in Boulder, Monday’s highs will peak near the mid-80s—unusual warmth for mid-October—but a Pacific front moving in late Monday will bring increasing clouds and gusts up to 25 mph. By Tuesday, highs will struggle to reach the low 70s, and foothill locations could see readings drop into the upper 60s. Light showers remain possible through Monday night into early Tuesday, especially west of Golden and Boulder.
Drivers and parents should plan for brisk morning starts as kids return to school following the long holiday weekend. Winds will ease slightly Tuesday night, but cooler air will linger through midweek. Clear skies and lower humidity will help overnight cooling accelerate across Douglas, Jefferson, and Arapahoe Counties—prime setup for early-morning frost later in the week.
According to CDOT, no major travel impacts are expected, but those heading into higher terrain or leaf-viewing parks along U.S. 285 and I-70 should prepare for colder breezes and spotty drizzle. Homeowners are encouraged to protect outdoor plants and prep fall décor before temperatures dip again late week.
Five-Day Forecast for Denver, CO:
Sun: 73/43 – Sunny and calm; light south breeze.
Mon: 86/46 – Mostly sunny and warm; breezy late with slight evening shower chance.
Tue: 73/47 – Mostly sunny and cooler; gusts up to 25 mph.
Wed: 79/48 – Sunny and dry; crisp fall feel early.
Thu: 69/40 – Partly cloudy; slight chance of showers, cooler trend continues.
