Denver Temps Soar.... As The Mile High City Reaches All-Time Record High

news image
Special Stories
28 Jun 2018 5:25 PM
It was a hot day in Denver, Colorado on Thursday.  In fact, it has never been hotter in the history of the city!  At least not since weather records have been kept since 1872.
Denver officially made it to 105 degrees.  It happened at 2:20pm at Denver International Airport.  That's where official temperatures are recorded.  It not only sets a new daily high temperature record for June 28th, but it also ties the all-time record high temperature!
The previous record high for June 28th was 99 degrees set in 1986.  And 87 degrees is the average high temp for June 28th.
As far as all-time record highs for the city, Denver has reached 105 degrees three times before.  The city hit 105 degrees in 1878, 2005, and 2012.
https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1012438499725750272 BUT WHY SO HOT?  Basically, there are three reasons.  First, there was a dip in the jet stream across the west coast.  This amplified and lifted the jet stream north over Colorado, helping heat surge in from the south.  Second, the wind was coming off the Rocky Mountains and descended into the Denver area.  This sinking air heated rapidly.  And third, a large ridge of high pressure was just to the east of the Denver.  Clockwise atmospheric circulation around the center of the high brought up very warm air from the south. But there's good news.  It looks like this heat event will be relatively short lived.  The extended forecast for Denver has temperatures dropping into the mid 90's on Friday, and into the upper 70's for Saturday.  That's almost 10 degrees below average!  But the mid 90's are back in time for 4th of July celebrations on Tuesday and Wednesday.  So enjoy the cooler weather while it's in town. For WeatherNation, Meteorologist Matt Monroe
All Weather News
More
Tornadoes Tear Through The Midwest, Threat Heads to the East Coast

Tornadoes Tear Through The Midwest, Threat Heads to the East Coast

MONTROSE, IL - A dangerous tornado tore throu

18 Jun 2026 6:40 PM
High Flood Risk - Remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur Head East

High Flood Risk - Remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur Head East

The National Hurricane Center has been tracki

18 Jun 2026 6:35 PM
Severe Storms, Flash Flooding Threat Returns Across Plains and Midwest This Weekend

Severe Storms, Flash Flooding Threat Returns Across Plains and Midwest This Weekend

Another threat of severe weather is expe

18 Jun 2026 12:30 PM
Heat Alerts & Fire Concerns For Central & West U.S.

Heat Alerts & Fire Concerns For Central & West U.S.

A ridge of high pressure continues to dominat

18 Jun 2026 9:30 AM
Welcome To Monsoon Season - Here's What to Expect

Welcome To Monsoon Season - Here's What to Expect

WELCOME TO THE NORTH AMERICAN MONSOON SEASON.

17 Jun 2026 5:00 PM
El Niño Forms, Very Strong El Niño Likely Late 2026

El Niño Forms, Very Strong El Niño Likely Late 2026

El Niño has arrived! It didn't take long for

15 Jun 2026 8:00 AM
Confirmed Tornadoes in Ohio and Pennsylvania on Sunday

Confirmed Tornadoes in Ohio and Pennsylvania on Sunday

A cold front on Sunday brought severe weather

15 Jun 2026 1:50 AM