DENVER — It has been a scorcher with highs in the upper 90s. The record of 97 degrees, set in 2013 has been surpassed when the temperature hit 98 degrees shortly after 3 PM. This is the 47th day with highs of 90 degrees or higher and the third record high set this week.
There are some clouds and a few thunderstorms, mainly along and west of I-25. Farther east, highs hit the triple digits in the sunny skies over the plains.
It will be mild night tonight with storms ending and skies remaining partly cloudy. Lows will be in the 60s on the plains and middle 40s to low 50s in the mountains.
There will be a better chance for showers and thunderstorms Friday with cooler temperatures in the lower 80s. Severe storms are not likely, but frequent lightning and locally heavy downpours can be expected.
The weekend will have highs in the low to mid 80s for lower elevations and 70s in the mountains. There will some showers and thunderstorms on Saturday - take some rain gear if you are heading to Boulder for the CU vs. Nebraska game at Folsom Field.
Sunday and early next week should be pretty pleasant with lower rain chances and comfortable temperatures. Highs will be in the low to mid 80s and lows will be in the low to mid 50s.
Thunderstorm chances will begin to lessen at this time of year as the sun angle is lower in the sky and the upper atmosphere is warmer, which provides less vertical instability.
Leaves are just beginning to change in the mountains and it will not be too long before the annual golden glory of our aspen trees begins to really shine in the high country!
