718
FXUS65 KBOU 241931
AFDBOU

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Denver/Boulder CO
131 PM MDT Fri Jul 24 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Fewer thunderstorms today with highest coverage over thehigher
  terrain.

- Hot this weekend with a few record highs possible.

- Heat Advisory for the I-25 Corridor both Saturday andSunday.

- Scattered  afternoon/evening thunderstorms this weekend, most
  numerous over the higher terrain.

- Increasing chances for thunderstorms Monday and Tuesday.

&&

.DISCUSSION /Through Friday/...
Issued at 132 PM MDT Fri Jul 24 2026

The strong upper level high will continue to slowly build
northward today and Saturday.Water vapor satellite imagery and
ACARS soundings show the airmass has dried as the ridge nears with
precipitable water values of 0.75-1.00 (in) across the Front
Range and eastern plains. These values are near to slightly above
normal. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected over the
higher terrain this afternoon and earlyevening. The last few runs
of the HRRR model, including the 18Z run, have trended toward
scattered thunderstorms for areas north of Denver, thus increased
PoPs for this area.

The upper level ridge will be centered over the Central Rockies
this weekend, leading to hot temperatures. Highs are expected to
reach the upper 90s and lower 100s both days. A Heat Advisory is
already in effect. The record high for Denver on Saturday is 99
degrees and on Sunday it is 100 degrees. Both of these records
could be tied or broken. Moisture remains near to slightly above
normal this weekend. Thus, we`ll see scattered afternoon/evening
showers and thunderstorms, most numerous over the higher terrain.
Warm mid level temperatures will act to cap the airmass over the
far eastern plains, but some of these storms should survive as
they cross the urban corridor. Heavy rain and wind gusts up to 50
mph will be the main threats with the thunderstorms.

On Monday, the upper level high shifts south of Colorado and
remains south of Colorado through Wednesday. This will lead to an
increase in monsoonal moisture. Cloud cover will increase as well
and temperatures are expected to cool somewhat, with highs in the
upper 80s and 90s across northeast Colorado. Precipitable water
values will be 140 to 200 percent of normal Monday through
Wednesday leading to scattered to numerous showers and
thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall and gusty outflow winds will be the
main threats.

For Thursday and Friday, the high is expected to be centered over
the Great Basin with a north to northwest flow aloft over
Colorado. Models still support scattered to numerous thunderstorms
as monsoonal moisture continues over the region. Though there
could be a slight decrease in moisture and storms late next week.
Temperatures are expected to be near to slightly above normal with
highs in the lower to mid 90s.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS through 18Z Saturday/...
Issued at 1143 AM MDT Fri Jul 24 2026

Light and variable winds will be turning more to the northeast
over the next hour, eventually turning more easterly by 22Z or
23Z. Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected
to the west over the higher terrain. Confidence in this activity
moving off the higher terrain and into the plains, impacting the
terminals, is still on the lower end at this time. We have
prob30s at KAPA and KBJC and a VCSH at KDEN for a few hours this
evening to account for the potential for these storms to push
further east. Winds are expected to turn towards drainage
overnight with wind speeds around 7kt to 11kt. Tomorrow, slightly
stronger southeast winds are forecast to develop over KDEN in the
afternoon, with another chance for showers and thunderstorms
staring around 21Z.

&&

.BOU WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Heat Advisory from 11 AM to 9 PM MDT Saturday for COZ038>040-043.

Heat Advisory from 11 AM to 9 PM MDT Sunday for COZ038>040-043.

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...12
AVIATION...AP

NWS BOU Office Area Forecast Discussion