Denver, Colorado – Bright sunshine is already warming the Front Range, but the bigger concern today may be what you cannot see. As temperatures climb toward 91 degrees across the Denver metro area, stagnant air is helping trap pollutants near the surface, prompting an Air Quality Alert for much of the urban corridor.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, an Ozone Action Day remains in effect for Denver, Boulder, Jefferson, Douglas, Arapahoe, Adams, Larimer and Weld counties through the afternoon. Hot weather and limited atmospheric mixing are expected to push ozone concentrations into the unhealthy range for sensitive groups.
By early afternoon, sidewalks, parking lots and major corridors including Interstate 25, Interstate 70, C-470 and U.S. 36 will feel noticeably warmer. Residents with asthma, lung disease or other respiratory conditions should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activity during peak heating hours.
The broader weather pattern across the central United States continues to generate severe thunderstorms and flash flooding across parts of the Plains and Midwest. Colorado sits near the western edge of that activity. While Denver remains largely dry today, isolated afternoon thunderstorms remain possible, especially near the foothills.
Meteorologists are also tracking periodic thunderstorm chances through early next week. Sunday’s high again reaches around 91 degrees before temperatures ease slightly into the upper 80s Monday and lower 80s Tuesday.
For now, outdoor plans can continue, but hydration and air quality awareness will be important. Consider exercising early in the day and reducing vehicle use where possible.
Additional above-normal warmth may return later next week across Colorado as summer continues to strengthen.
Five Day Forecast for Denver, Colorado
- Sunday: High 91°F, slight afternoon thunderstorm chance, low 56°F
- Monday: High 87°F, 30% chance of afternoon storms, low 57°F
- Tuesday: High 81°F, slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, low 56°F
- Wednesday: Sunny, high 87°F, low 57°F
- Thursday: High 88°F, scattered afternoon storm chances
