Denver wakes up on the cool side this Saturday, with temperatures near 45°F at local stations. The chill will not last long, though, with a quick warmup pushing highs to around 77°F on Saturday, April 11. As the warmth builds, so does the risk for afternoon showers and isolated thunderstorms. Most of the metro should stay dry through late morning, but scattered cells could pop up by midday and hang around into the early evening, bringing sudden gusts and brief downpours. If you have outdoor plans, keep them flexible, and expect readings to slide back into the mid-40s overnight.
Afternoon Storms And Gusts
Showers and a few thunderstorms look most likely between about noon and 6 p.m., with storm chances generally running in the 30 to 40 percent range across the metro. The National Weather Service Denver/Boulder notes that most storms should be high-based and short-lived, but their outflow winds can pack a punch. Gusts will commonly reach 20 to 30 mph, with some stronger cells capable of pushing 40 mph or slightly higher.
Airports across the area, including Denver International, Centennial, and Rocky Mountain Metro, may see gusty and shifty winds that could trigger temporary delays. If you are flying late in the day and storms develop, it is worth building in a little extra travel time.
Sunday Fire Weather Watch
The National Weather Service has posted a Fire Weather Watch for parts of the eastern plains Sunday afternoon into the evening because of warm, dry air and increasing southwest winds. According to a National Weather Service discussion, low humidity paired with breezy conditions could elevate fire danger across the highlighted zones. Residents in those areas are urged to avoid open burning and to be careful with anything that can throw sparks. The discussion includes the full list of affected zones and specific timing.
What This Means For Your Plans
Plan on a light jacket early, then be ready to duck inside later if a cell rolls through. Brief heavy downpours and gusty winds can knock over unsecured patio furniture and make evening driving a bit dicey in spots. For most Denver neighborhoods, impacts should be hit or miss and relatively short rather than a long, soggy ordeal…