Denver metro

A heat dome is causing dangerous triple-digit temperatures in Colorado, with extreme heat warnings for parts of the state and potential highs reaching 106°F. No rain is expected, and record-breaking heat is anticipated early next week due to a persistent high-pressure system.

Cities like Broomfield, Thornton, and Aurora proceeded with Fourth of July fireworks despite high fire danger, implementing safety measures such as site preparation, debris-limiting fireworks, and deploying firefighting resources. Decisions involved collaboration between fire officials, pyrotechnicians, and city leaders to ensure safety during the displays.

Law enforcement agencies in the Denver metro area are using drones during the Fourth of July weekend to address illegal fireworks complaints. Wheat Ridge and Northglenn Police Departments deploy drones for surveillance and location identification, while Commerce City allows legal fireworks sales until 11 p.m. on July 3 and 4. A local fireworks vendor emphasizes safety education for customers.

Denver metro firefighters are responding to two wildfires across the state as hot, dry conditions increase fire danger. The situation highlights elevated fire risk due to ongoing dry weather.

Sunny skies in the Denver metro will turn smoky as brisk winds increase fire danger in the mountains. The smoky conditions are expected to persist through the day with high fire risk in mountain areas.

Denver is experiencing a very hot week with smoky skies and increased mountain fire weather. Red Flag Warnings are in effect for Sunday afternoon in the high country and lower foothills west and south of the Denver metro.

Denver metro and eastern plains in Colorado are under a severe thunderstorm watch through Wednesday, with potential for large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. Smoky skies from Utah wildfires combined with rising temperatures and moisture are fueling the storms, which are expected to develop Tuesday afternoon and persist into the evening.

Two Denver metro families in Commerce City and Lakewood experienced vehicle crashes that damaged their homes over the weekend. A suspected drunk driver crashed into a Commerce City home, injuring one family member, while another driver in Lakewood smashed through a garage, prompting calls for traffic safety measures like speed humps and stop signs.

AI-powered robots at Denver's Republic Services recycling facility are improving efficiency by sorting materials faster than humans, reducing waste by 25 tons daily, and allowing workers to transition to more technical roles. The facility, serving Denver and surrounding areas, uses Glacier's AI robots that handle 60-70 pick-ups per minute. A new AI-only recycling facility is being built in Commerce City.

Colorado faces high fire danger with Red Flag Warnings in effect for most of the state except the Denver metro and Eastern Plains, alongside severe storm risks including heavy rain, hail, and potential tornadoes. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-90s in the Denver metro, with gusty winds up to 45 mph increasing fire risks in the mountains.