Denver, Colorado – Fire weather concerns are building fast across northeast Colorado as hot, dry conditions settle in for the workweek, especially near the I-70 corridor.
According to the National Weather Service in Boulder, temperatures will climb to 86°F on both Monday and Tuesday, with dry gusts up to 22 mph and humidity dipping into the danger zone for wildfire ignition. Areas east of the foothills, including Denver, Douglas, and Arapahoe counties, could face elevated to critical fire conditions starting Monday afternoon, continuing through at least Thursday.
No storms are forecast Monday or Tuesday, but any sparks—from machinery, cigarettes, or campfires—could spread quickly in the dry brush. Winds will strengthen by Tuesday afternoon, especially in the eastern plains, where blowing dust could briefly reduce visibility.
The week begins warm and stays dry, with a slight chance of rain only returning Wednesday afternoon. That system brings just a 20% chance for isolated showers and thunderstorms, with little relief expected for dry soils and grasses. Tuesday is currently flagged as the day with the highest fire risk, per the NWS outlook.
5-Day Denver Forecast (Mon-Fri):
- Monday: Sunny, high near 86°F. Gusts up to 18 mph.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, breezy, high of 86°F. Gusts to 22 mph.
- Wednesday: 20% chance of showers, high of 74°F. Breezy.
- Thursday: Sunny, dry, high of 71°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, warming to 76°F.
