Temperatures will be well above average for Memorial Day Weekend in Colorado. Average daytime highs for the end of May are in the mid to upper 70’s and temperatures are expected to be in the 90’s both Saturday and Sunday.
With a forecast high of 94 degrees, Saturday has a chance of hitting or breaking the record high temperature of 95 degrees set back in 1942.
Denver has already had its first 90-degree day on May 10, which is earlier than the average date we first see temps reach into the 90s, June 10. It was about 10 days shy from being the earliest 90-degree day, which was in 1992 on April 30.
As for how many 90 degree days are typical for a Colorado summer, it all depends on the time frame. Since 1872, Colorado has seen an average of 30 days at or above 90 degrees. However, in the last 30 years that average has gone up to 42 days at or above 90 degrees.
Remember the heat of 2012? That year Denver saw 73 days of 90-degree temperatures, including a stretch from July 11 to August 3rd. Topping out at 24 days in a row, that was the longest stretch of 90 degree days for Denver. That year also brought the hottest temperatures on record: 105 degrees on June 25 and 26.
We don’t have any 100 degree days in the forecast, but out of the last 145 years, we’ve seen triple digits 40 of those days with a lot more frequency in recent years. Of the 18 years since 2000, we’ve hit at least 100 degrees 14 of those years.
Temperatures will be back down into the upper 70s by Monday, but plan for lots of water and sunscreen as we tackle the heat this weekend!
