A flood watch is in effect for parts of northeastern Colorado until 10 p.m. Today as another round of afternoon storms moves across the Denver metro area and the state’s Eastern Plains, with some storms capable of producing large hail and wind gusts over 60 mph east of Interstate 25. Temperatures will stay about five degrees below normal both Today and through the weekend, with highs holding in the low to mid 80s as monsoon moisture keeps the pattern active.
Which areas are actually under the flood watch?
The watch covers Elbert, Lincoln, eastern Adams and Arapahoe, Washington, Morgan, Logan and northeastern Weld counties in Denver, running from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. Today. A separate flash flood watch is also in place near the Aspen Acres burn scar in the mountains, since burn scar areas lose their ability to absorb rain and become especially prone to sudden flooding even from storms that wouldn’t cause problems elsewhere.
How much rain is Denver actually expecting?
Roughly half an inch total from Today through Sunday night, spread across multiple rounds of storms rather than one continuous rain event. Today’s activity develops in the mountains first before pushing into the Front Range between 3 and 6 p.m., with lingering showers possible into the evening as storms move onto the plains.
Does the severe weather threat continue into the weekend?
Yes, and Saturday actually carries the higher risk of the two days. A slight risk for severe storms is in place Saturday in Denver, with the potential for gusty winds and large hail as storms push out onto the plains during the afternoon and evening. Sunday brings another round of showers and storms with partly cloudy skies, though confidence in severe weather is lower than Saturday. Highs both days stay in the low 80s.
When does the pattern actually break?
Not until early next week, and even then it’s a gradual shift rather than a sharp one. Monday brings more sunshine and minimal storm chances with highs in the mid 80s, and temperatures continue climbing from there, reaching 90 degrees again Tuesday under mainly sunny skies for the first time in several days. Wednesday and Thursday settle into a mix of sun and clouds with seasonal highs in the upper 80s, with only a slight chance of a quick shower midweek.
What should residents in flood prone areas actually do right now?
Avoid driving through flooded roadways regardless of how familiar the route seems, since it takes surprisingly little moving water to sweep a vehicle off the road. Anyone in or near the Aspen Acres burn scar area in Denver should have an evacuation plan ready and pay close attention if a flash flood warning is issued rather than just a watch, since warnings mean flooding is imminent or already occurring. Staying tuned to local alerts through the overnight hours matters most, since storms tracking onto the plains after dark are harder to see coming than daytime storms…