Denver hits record 104
By Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published August 1, 2008 at 5:28 p.m.
Updated August 1, 2008 at 5:28 p.m.
Photo by Chris Schneider © The Rocky
City of Denver street maintenance worker Bernard Lopez, splashes water on his face while installing manholes at 20th and Irving in the middle of the day in Denver on Thursday.
Photo by Chris Schneider © The Rocky
Aspen jumps into the lake after a ball thrown by his owner Jim Davis at the south end of Washington Park in Denver on Thursday.
Video: A Denver Public Works Maintenance crew spreads asphalt on East Evans Avenue. Thursday was the 19th consecutive day of 90-plus heat in Denver. Watch »
The high in Denver hit 104 shortly after 2 p.m. as the city tacked another 90-plus day to the record of 19 consecutive days set Thursday. The previous record of 100 wast set in 1938.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for northeast Colorado and a red-flag warning for tinder-dry southeast Colorado.
The old record of 18 consecutive 90-plus-degree days set in 1874 and 1901 was broken Thursday as the temperature reached 96.
It looks like the record will reach at least 23 days because NWS metrologists are expecting 99 on Saturday, 97 on Sunday and 94 on Monday.
And, more's the pity, that's the temperature in the shade.
The three-digit high this afternoon is a warning to people to try to stay indoors and around air conditioning.
The highs will still be in the 90s through midevening along the Front Range and on the eastern plains.
Tuesday could be the first day that the high tops out in the 80s. The forecast is for 88 on Tuesday, as a cool front is expected to move in, finally breaking through the high-pressure system that has blocked storms for the better part of two months.
The slight chance of thunderstorms most afternoons and evenings won't amount to anything in most areas the next couple days. There is a better chance of rain on Monday, but then it dries out again even as the temperatures drop.
Wildfires could erupt and spread like, well, wildfires east of the continental divide and south of Denver.
Very low humidity, hot temperatures and gusty south winds will produce critical fire conditions by this afternoon. While metro Denver will have calm winds, southeast Colorado is expecting south winds of 15 to 20 mph and gusts up to 30 mph.
The high country is expecting highs in the 80s the next few days and about a 20 percent chance of showers each afternoon.
It's important to take heed of the advise on dealing with heat waves, say health officials.
Drink plenty of water, seek air conditioning, limit outside activities.
Water is great and diet drinks and sports drinks, too. But alcohol and soft drinks with a lot of sugar actually act to dehydrate, so avoid those.
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August 1, 2008
12:04 p.m.
Suggest removal
TheDenverB writes:
where's floyd hill been lately with his 'this isn't really hot' comments?
August 1, 2008
12:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
Marshdale writes:
For any of you who want to dog city street maintenance workers, just imagine how it feels walking on new asphalt that is at 270 degrees when the sun from above is 102. It ain't fun. Give these guys a break and quit bitc^$%@.
August 1, 2008
12:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
dilligaf writes:
I have no idea why this Bernard Lopez needs to keep cooling himself I have seen no pictures of him doing any work. Must work for the city. Probably went back to leaning on his shovel.
August 1, 2008
12:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
Achilles writes:
Big effing deal...its hot...get over it.
August 1, 2008
1:40 p.m.
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SickNTired writes:
I sure could go for a cold one!
August 1, 2008
1:43 p.m.
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temurlan writes:
I'm not dogging this city worker, but they keep showing different pictures of him dealing with the heat. In each one he looks worse and worse. I hope the next one isn't of him collapsed on the pavement.
Our military is dealing with 130 degrees overseas. Makes upper 90s sound pretty cool.
August 1, 2008
1:59 p.m.
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dilligaf writes:
temurlan
Also I don't believe they are allowed to stop and cool themselves off with water while in a battle.
August 1, 2008
3:44 p.m.
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ColdShot writes:
AND they are not carrying around 50 big macs all day!
August 1, 2008
6:11 p.m.
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farsidefan writes:
Sounds to me like a lazy photographer hung around one man to get his pics instead of taking a variety of people.
Most of these posts happened between 1 and 4 today. I doubt if any of you were outside with your computers.
I know I was indoors.
This weather reminds me of one of my favorite lines from a movie:
"It's hotter than a snakes' *** in a wagon rut" Adrian Croneur (sp) Good Morning Vietnam.
I used to work on the business end of a trash truck in the summer during the late 60's. People put their trash in 55 gallon metal barrels. None of this plastice bag stuff.
We walked the alleys behind the truck. Every day regardless of temp. Made me realize why I wanted a college degree.
I was in great shape for college football two a days.
August 1, 2008
9:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
Mike846 writes:
Imagine how uncomfortable it would be if you didn't have electricity to run your fans or air conditioners. Of course, if you vote Democrats into office, you'll get the chance to find out how that feels. They say no drilling (oil or clean natural gas either one), no oil shale, no more coal-fired generating plants to be built, and no nuclear power plants. Think about the last 19 days next time you enter the voting booth. Mike
August 1, 2008
10:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
EastVail writes:
SASQUATCH says "global warming fails the window test . . . AGAIN".
As the rest of us mourn Sasquatch's lack of comprehension of how averages are calculated.
Kids, pay attention in math class. Otherwise you will look like that stupid donkey Sasquatch.