Pueblo, Colorado – Summer heat will continue across southern Colorado this week as temperatures climb into the 90s across the plains, while daily afternoon thunderstorms develop over the mountains and gradually spread east.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, moisture will slowly increase over the higher terrain through the week, supporting a daily chance for showers and thunderstorms, especially across the Continental Divide, Sangre de Cristo Mountains and nearby mountain communities. The plains, including Pueblo, La Junta, Lamar and Trinidad, will remain predominantly hot with only isolated storm chances.
High temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s across much of the Interstate 25 corridor and southeastern Colorado. Forecast highs include Pueblo between 97 and 99 degrees, Colorado Springs from 90 to 92 degrees, Lamar from 94 to 98 degrees, and La Junta from 96 to 99 degrees through the work week.
Mountain communities such as Salida, Buena Vista, Crestone and Leadville will have the greatest opportunity for afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Storms may produce brief heavy rainfall, lightning, gusty winds and small hail before weakening after sunset.
Residents planning hikes or other outdoor recreation should begin activities early in the day and head to lower elevations if thunderstorms develop. Anyone who hears thunder should immediately move indoors or into a hardtop vehicle.
While the daily storms will provide localized cooling over the mountains, much of southern Colorado’s lower elevations will continue experiencing above-average summer warmth through the end of the week. Additional weather updates may be issued as thunderstorm coverage changes.
