COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) — Today’s Forecast:
Sizzling heat will approach record territory today in southern Colorado- with today's record at 97 degrees in Colorado Springs, and 104 in Pueblo.
High pressure is situated over western Utah, with northwesterly flow in the upper levels of the atmosphere. This will continue to pull in smoke from wildfires burning in the Pacific Northwest, creating variable haze through the day. However, overall air quality today is likely to be better than in recent days in southern Colorado. The thicker smoke in place now should thin out heading into the afternoon.
It will be a bit breezy this afternoon with winds eventually shifting easterly - but overall gusts should be in the 15-20 mph range. In Pueblo County and Fremont County, the wind gusts will be a bit stronger and a Red Flag Warning is in place from 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM, so outdoor burning and activities that produce sparks should be avoided.
Expect mainly sunny skies today other than the wildfire smoke haze, with some mid-level clouds over the mountains this afternoon. Sunset tonight is at 8:03 PM in Colorado Springs, with three 8 PM or later sunsets remaining this year in Colorado Springs.
Colorado Springs forecast: High: 95; Low: 62.
Pueblo forecast: High: 101; Low: 63.
Canon City forecast: High: 98; Low: 65.
Woodland Park forecast: High: 86; Low: 55.
Tri-Lakes forecast: High: 90s; Low: 60s.
Plains forecast: High: 100s; Low: 60s.
Walsenburg and Trinidad forecast: High: 94/96; Low: 63.
Mountains forecast: High: 80s; Low: 50s.
Extended outlook forecast:
The heat continues straight through the weekend as the high generally sits across the Four Corners region. This heat could be unhealthy during the afternoon for heat sensitive individuals, and anyone participating in strenuous activities (running, hiking, biking, yard work, etc). Expect highs in the mid to upper 90s through Monday in the Pikes Peak Region, and triple digits in Pueblo...which will be close to, at, or in some cases potentially beat existing high temperature records.
A couple of isolated sprinkles are possible Sunday afternoon, with the best chances in the mountains.
But real monsoon moisture will begin to return Monday and more so on Tuesday, as the ridge migrates southeast and better southerly flow can develop into Colorado. Storm chances then continue to ramp up through the rest of the week.
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Curious about the First Alert 5 Weather Storm Impact Scale? Check out our cheatsheet explainer.
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