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Hot and dry early this week, a better chance of storms for Denver by Thursday

Early July heatwave continues
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DENVER -- Hot and dry in early July.  Our most recent string of 90 degree days is now at four, with only the 5th of July dipping below that sultry number.  For the season, Denver has tallied 28 days of 90 degrees or hotter and 2 day over 100 degrees.

Temperatures will drop to the low 60s by morning.  In the mountains, lows wil be in the upper 40s to mid-50s by early Tuesday.

Tuesday morning skies will start out sunny, although hazy from wildfire smoke.  Temperatures will quickly rise and will climb to the low 90s in Denver by Noon.  In the afternoon, high temperatures will again be in the mid-90s to around 100 degrees on the eastern plains.

If you are planning to head to the high country, be aware that this is now afternoon thunderstorm season.  Skies will be mostly sunny, but hazy in the morning, but clouds will be building and scattered thunderstorms developing in the afternoon.  High temperatures on Tuesday will be in the mid 70s to low 80s.

The afternoon thunderstorms will mostly be in the mountains and foothills again on Tuesday. Watch out for lightning and gusty winds.  If you are hiking, temperatures can quickly drop into the upper 40s when a storm rolls through - take rain gear and dress in layers!

The weather pattern is not changing very much from day to day as light winds aloft prevent cold fronts from moving very quickly across the nation.  The weather forecast will not change much through Wednesday - hot & dry for the plains, afternoon storms for the mountains. 

There will be a slightly better chance of afternoon storms across the plains on Thursday and Friday.  The winds aloft will shift slightly and blow into the central Rockies from the southwest.  This will help to bring a little tropical moisture into Colorado and provide a better chance for showers and thunderstorms to the mountains and the plains.

Temperatures will not be as hot by the end of the week with highs expected to stay in the upper 80s in Denver for Friday and Saturday.  Some heavier rainfall is likely for the mountains later this week, helping firefighters, but also increasing the risk of mud and debris slides over the various burn scars.