DENVER — Here we go! Scattered showers and thunderstorms are rumbling across the Front Range mountains, foothills, Denver metro and plains tonight. Brief but heavy rain and gusty winds will be the biggest threats around the I-25 corridor with some severe storms east, producing damaging winds and large hail. Most of the storm activity will move out around 9 p.m. and mostly cloudy skies move in overnight.
Evening storms in Denver metro; severe storms possible Saturday afternoon
Saturday could bring an even better setup for strong to severe storms. Storms may get going a couple of hours earlier than Friday, with coverage increasing through the afternoon and early evening as they move onto the plains. A few could become severe, with large hail and damaging wind the primary concerns. The main forecast question is timing — models disagree by a few hours on when the most widespread storms will arrive.
Sunday will be cooler, but don’t let the lower temperatures fool you — there will still be enough instability for thunderstorms. Easterly winds will bring in cooler air and keep low-level moisture in place, likely producing low clouds and possibly some drizzle Sunday morning. Highs may only reach the mid-60s to lower 70s. If temperatures can warm enough to break through the cap, scattered thunderstorms could develop, with the Palmer Divide historically favored for this type of setup.
And Sunday storms could pack a punch. Cold air higher in the atmosphere combined with plenty of moisture and wind shear could support a few severe storms if they develop. Hail will be the main threat, although stronger storms could also produce damaging winds. The key will be whether the atmosphere can warm enough to get storms going in the first place.
Monday should provide a brief break as southwest flow returns and a ridge moves in, bringing milder and mostly dry weather. Some showers could linger into Monday morning if the slower weather scenario plays out.
Beyond Monday, another upper-level low will move northeast out of the Southwest, bringing another chance for showers and thunderstorms Monday night and Tuesday. Rain chances could linger into Wednesday if that system moves more slowly.
By Thursday and Friday, ridging should take over, although moisture trapped underneath could keep a few afternoon storms in the forecast. Temperatures from Tuesday onward should run near to slightly above normal.
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