Near record heat in Denver, with temperatures approaching 100 degrees on Saturday

Denver is warming up again, with temperatures in the city reaching nearly 100 degrees Saturday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

If Denver reaches the forecast high of 98 degrees, Saturday will be tied for the hottest August 17 of all time in the metropolitan area, according to NWS data. Just one more degree higher and Saturday’s heat will break the record.

The current record of 98 degrees was set in 2020.

The heat is expected to peak at 98 degrees around 4pm on Saturday before dropping to 67 degrees overnight. That’s what NWS forecasters said.

The chance of afternoon thunderstorms in the metro area is low – almost 10% – and according to NWS forecasters, any showers that hit Denver are expected to end by 9 p.m.

“Most will remain dry, but scattered high showers could occur in the mountains in the evening,” forecasters said. “These will decay as they attempt to enter the urban corridor given the dry conditions, although they may produce gusty winds at times.”

Due to increased heat, an Ozone Action Day Alert has been issued for Colorado’s Front Range – including Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer and Weld counties – until Saturday at 4 p.m.

Ozone Action Days are held when the air quality index is predicted to reach unhealthy levels due to a combination of ozone, wildfire smoke and other pollutants. according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Short-term exposure to unhealthy levels of ozone can cause coughing; irritation of eyes, nose and throat; chest pain; breathing difficulties and asthma attacks, according to state officials. Long-term exposure has been linked to a variety of health problems, including pulmonary and cardiovascular disease and premature death.

People in affected provinces should stay indoors during the heat of the day, avoid gasoline or diesel-powered cars until the alarm is lifted and conserve energy by turning air conditioners to a higher temperature, air quality officials said.