Clouds won't stave off heat today

By Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Originally published 07:08 a.m., July 24, 2008
Updated 08:31 a.m., July 24, 2008

Photo by George Kochaniec Jr.

An early morning jogger at Washington Park Thursday July 24,2008. Despite a mostly cloudy day forecast for metro Denver, the afternoon high probably will reach 96, say National Weather Service forecasters. That would mark the 12th consecutive day of 90-plus temperatures and move 2008 into a tie for eighth-longest hot streak in Denver's history.

Everybody is complaining about this sustained hot spell, but today’s afternoon clouds likely are going to do precious little about it.

Despite a mostly cloudy day forecast for metro Denver, the afternoon high probably will reach 96, say National Weather Service forecasters.

That would mark the 12th consecutive day of 90-plus temperatures and move 2008 into a tie for eighth-longest hot streak in Denver’s history.

For those who like records -- no matter how hot and steamy they are -- D-Day is a week from now, when, if the 90s streak continues Denver will match the record of 18 straight scorchers set in July of 1874 and tied in July of 1901.

There’s not much relief in sight, with Friday’s high expected to be 91 and the weekend even hotter -- 93 on Saturday and 94 on Sunday.

Monday poses a risk to the drive for the record, though, with an expected high of just 90. If it’s off by just one degree in the right direction, the streak ends.

Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to top out in the low 90s.

There is actually a decent chance of rain this afternoon and evening, and even a better chance on Saturday and Sunday.

Problem is, the rains are likely to be isolated, bringing relief to parts of the Front Range and eastern Plains, leaving the rest with its tongue hanging out.

There will be just enough instability in the atmosphere to bring heavy rains and hail to isolated spots on the eastern Plains, mostly east of an imaginary line running between Sterling and Limon, say NWS meteorologists.

A high pressure system remains camped in the upper atmosphere, stopping cold air from coming down from the north.

Montrose on the western slope is looking at low 90s most of the next several days, but a dip to just 87 on Sunday.

Burlington, near the Kansas border, will reach almost 100 today, but cool off a little bit until Sunday, when the forecast high is just 89.

Southeastern Colorado shouldn’t see a high lower than the mid-90s for several days.

The high country offers a nice respite.

Fairplay is looking at highs in the upper 60s the next several days and pretty good chances of rain.

If that’s too cold, try Steamboat Springs with highs in the 80s, or Aspen, with highs in the 70s and good chances of showers.

scanlon@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2897