Colorado’s Long-Lasting Heat Wave Could Resemble the Summer of 2012

Denver is no stranger to heat. Every summer, the mercury bounces between 90- and 100-degrees Fahrenheit, but this year has been different: Not only has it been hot, it’s been consistently so. Aside from a couple days in the 80s, our current heat wave has extended throughout the month of July. Before it’s over, the scorching span could be reminiscent of the summer of 2012, Denver’s hottest ever. Back then, we saw 13 days of 100-degree heat and more than 70 days of 90-degree heat.

So far this year, Denver has experienced 30 days of 90-degree temps (yearly average is 43) and 13 days of 95-degree heat (yearly average is 16). But we have yet to suffer a 100-degree day (yearly average is two). That could soon change.

The stretch of heat we’re currently experiencing began on July 2 and may last into August if the weather models are correct.

A big “dome” of heat—or a large, high-pressure system—will travel from the Four Corners area to the Central Plains over the next two weeks, meaning much of Colorado will feel its impact. The worst of the heat will come in spurts as the atmosphere tries to equalize itself and we see readings fluctuate between 90 and 100 degrees cyclically. As this high pressure system shifts east, it could bring in some moisture from the south (resembling a slight monsoon pattern), but aside from a few afternoon storms, the weather will remain hot.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Denver is 105 degrees (most recently in June 2018) and the record temperature for the state is 115 degrees, set near Lamar last summer. While we probably won’t reach 105-degree heat (let alone 115) during this wave, prepare for temps to threaten daily records regularly.