Palmer Divide

Denver and surrounding areas will experience hot weather with highs in the 90s, smoke, and scattered thunderstorms through the week. Storm activity increases midweek, with potential for severe storms and dry thunderstorms in mountain regions. A significant heat wave is expected next weekend, with temperatures approaching record highs.

Severe thunderstorms are expected to impact Colorado's eastern Plains, particularly along and east of I-25, with potential for large hail, damaging wind gusts, minor flooding, and a low tornado risk. Storms will form over mountains and foothills, intensifying in the late afternoon and evening, with specific threats highlighted for areas like the Pikes Peak Region and lower Arkansas River Valley.

A cold front brought cooler temperatures to Colorado on Thursday, breaking a heatwave that saw record highs in Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Warmer conditions are expected to return by Friday, with a fire weather watch issued for Saturday due to rising temperatures and dry conditions.

Colorado experienced cooler temperatures Thursday, with morning lows in the 50s and afternoon highs in the mid to upper 70s. The week ahead includes warm upper 80s on Thursday and Friday, critical fire weather conditions on Saturday, and scattered thunderstorms by Sunday and Monday as cooler, wetter air moves in.