Denver Heat Wave: Record Temperatures, Relief Coming Sunday

Denver shattered its all-time March temperature record Saturday, reaching 86 degrees Fahrenheit at Denver International Airport, according to the National Weather Service. This marks the third consecutive day the city has broken daily high-temperature records, a streak unprecedented for the month of March.

Saturday’s high surpassed the previous daily record of 78 degrees, set in 1995. It also eclipsed the overall March record of 84 degrees, established on March 26, 1971. Friday’s high of 85 degrees had already broken the record for March 20, previously 80 degrees in 1907. Wednesday’s temperature of 81 degrees tied the third-earliest 80-degree reading in Denver’s history, occurring roughly six weeks ahead of the average first 80-degree day, which typically falls around April 27.

The historic heatwave, impacting Denver and the Front Range, is driven by an unusually intense ridge of high pressure and resulting downslope flow, according to Mountain Wave Weather. Temperatures across the region, including Boulder, Fort Collins, and Greeley, are expected to remain well above average, with some locations potentially setting new all-time March records.

While some relief is anticipated Sunday, with temperatures forecast to drop into the upper 60s, and mid-70s on Monday, these temperatures will still be above normal for mid-to-late March. Forecasters indicate the possibility of a return to 80-degree temperatures after Monday.

The prolonged warmth has also raised concerns about critical fire weather conditions, with low humidity and gusty winds contributing to increased fire risk. The heatwave is being attributed to a slow-moving, intense high-pressure dome, a phenomenon that can be enhanced by La Niña, creating stagnant periods of record-high temperatures.