Colorado — Golden light spills across the Front Range early, and the air feels unexpectedly gentle for mid-January. Sidewalks stay dry, jackets unzip, and the city leans into a brief winter pause. That pause does not last.
Weather patterns across the Denver metro stay calm but deceptive. Temperatures climb into the low 60s today under mostly sunny skies. Light winds help the warmth linger through the afternoon, making it one of the mildest January days so far in 2026.
By tonight, cooler air slides in quietly. Skies remain mostly clear, but lows dip into the mid-30s. Wednesday brings another mild rebound, with highs near the mid-50s. Winds shift northwest during the afternoon, signaling a change.
Meteorologists now tracking a broader cooling trend say Thursday marks the turning point. Sunshine continues, yet colder air settles in. Highs peak near the low 60s early, then drop quickly after sunset. Overnight lows fall into the mid-20s, raising freeze concerns for exposed pipes and early morning commuters.
Friday stays dry but colder. Afternoon highs reach the low 50s, while clear skies allow temperatures to slide again after dark. Patchy frost becomes more likely in sheltered areas, especially south of Denver and along I-25 corridors.
No snow appears in the short-term outlook, but winter conditions quietly reassert themselves. Melting during the day followed by hard freezes at night could create slick patches on bridges and shaded roads.
Plan errands earlier in the day, and keep layers handy as temperatures swing. After all, January in Colorado rarely stays mild for long.
How noticeable was today’s warmth where you live? Are you already prepping for the colder nights ahead?
5-Day Weather Outlook – Denver, CO
- Today: Mostly sunny, mild, high near 62
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, breezy later, high near 56
- Thursday: Sunny, turning colder, high near 61
- Friday: Mostly sunny, cooler, high near 51
- Saturday: Sunny, seasonable, high near 53
