Temperatures soared to record levels in Denver on Wednesday, breaking a mark that has stood since 1876. The high reached 100 degrees, eclipsing the previous record on 98 degrees set four days before Colorado officially became a state!
This also marked the fifth time temperatures have hit triple digits in Denver this year. This places 2021 in a tie for third place for the number of days reaching 100 degrees or hotter. The years 1990 and 1989 also reported five days of 100 degrees or higher. The record year was 2012 when Denver hit triple digits 13 times. In 2005, the Denver area recorded seven days of 100 degrees or higher.
An Ozone Alert remains in effect for the Front Range and the I-25 corridor. Ozone concentrations are in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category. Smoke from various wildfires across Colorado and the western United States will continue to make our skies a little hazy, but conditions are much worse over Wyoming and Montana.
Hot temperatures will continue on Friday, with highs climbing to the middle 90s in Denver and across the eastern plains. Expect highs in the mid 70s to low 80s in the mountains.
Nighttime readings will be in the 60s for lower elevations and middle 40s to low 50s in the mountains.
A cold front will begin to move into Colorado from the north Friday evening, bringing an increase in moisture and a better chance for thunderstorms by late afternoon.
Showers and thunderstorms will be likely Saturday and Sunday along with much cooler temperatures. Some locally heavy rainfall will be possible in the mountains and foothills over the weekend.
Hotter and drier weather will return early next week.
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