Denver forecasts storms and heat with lingering smoke
PUBLISHED Jul 7, 2026, 7:58 AM ET
Read, Watch or Listen
Denver experienced recurring afternoon storms and high temperatures this week as forecasts showed highs in the 90s across the metro, with smoke and air quality alerts lingering Tuesday before winds began to clear smoke overnight. Models predicted stronger storms Wednesday and Thursday in northeastern areas. Forecasters also warned of gusty winds and hail in isolated cells across the plains. Residents and agencies responded immediately: local forecasters issued air-quality alerts Tuesday, and weather offices flagged slight severe risks Wednesday and Thursday; municipalities and event organizers adjusted outdoor plans. Meteorological guidance projects clearing winds overnight improving air quality by Thursday morning while heat returns into the weekend with highs reaching mid-90s.
By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Tuesday: Highs rise into the 90s; wildfire smoke triggers air-quality alerts.
- Tuesday night: Wind shift expected to clear smoke on the northern Front Range.
- Wednesday: Cold front passage reduces smoke; afternoon storms return with slight severe risk.
- Thursday: Seasonal highs near 90 with renewed storm chances and gust/hail threats.
- Weekend: Heat rebuilds, bringing mid- to upper-90s and drier conditions.
News Intelligence
- Denver's weather impacts your daily life. High temperatures and poor air quality can affect health, especially for those with respiratory issues. Outdoor plans may need adjusting due to storms and heat. Check local forecasts and air quality alerts before heading out.
- Articles Published:
- 3
- Right Leaning:
- 0
- Left Leaning:
- 0
- Neutral:
- 3
- Distribution:
- Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%
Local emergency services, event organizers, and residents who followed forecasts benefited by preparing or altering plans in response to air-quality alerts and localized severe-weather risks.
Residents in smoke-affected areas and communities under slight severe-weather risk experienced reduced air quality and potential property threats from gusts and hail.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
No left-leaning sources found for this story.
From Center
Denver forecasts storms and heat with lingering smoke
FOX31 Denver KDVR FOX31 Denver KDVR FOX31 Denver KDVRFrom Right
No right-leaning sources found for this story.
Comments