Colorado’s weather shifts gears fast this Monday morning, with dry air, whipping winds, and blowing debris setting the tone along the Front Range. Grasses rattle, trash bins tip, and visibility drops at times as gusts roar out of the foothills.
According to the National Weather Service in Denver/Boulder, critical fire weather conditions are unfolding today from Boulder south through Denver and the Palmer Divide. Peak wind gusts in wind-prone foothill areas may reach 60 to 75 mph, with lower elevations still seeing strong, gusty southwest winds. Humidity drops sharply by late morning, increasing fire danger.
Highs surge into the lower 60s across Denver, running near record levels for early January 2026. The warmth may feel pleasant, but it comes with risk. Avoid outdoor burning, secure loose items, and use caution while driving high-profile vehicles on I-25 and I-70.
Winds ease later today, and calmer conditions arrive Tuesday and Wednesday. Sunshine dominates, though mornings dip near freezing, creating pockets of frost in shaded areas. Any melted moisture may refreeze early, especially on bridges and side streets during school drop-offs.
Attention turns back to winter by Thursday. A colder system brings a growing chance for snow, first in the mountains, then edging toward the I-25 corridor by late Thursday into Friday. Slick travel is possible, particularly during early commutes if light snow spreads east. Temperatures fall into the 40s Thursday and near 40 Friday, reinforcing a colder pattern.
Meteorologists continue tracking how far snow reaches into the plains. Conditions may change quickly midweek, so stay alert for updates as winter reasserts itself.
Feeling the wind where you are today, or noticing blowing dust and debris?
Five-Day Outlook for Denver, Colorado
• Monday: Windy and warm, high near 62
• Tuesday: Sunny, breezy, high near 60
• Wednesday: Sunny, cooler morning, high near 59
• Thursday: Chance of snow, colder, high near 44
• Friday: Mostly sunny, colder, high near 39
