DENVER — A round of strong storms is expected to move into Colorado on Tuesday, bringing heavy rain and the possibility of hail to Denver and the northeastern part of the state for the Fourth of July.
Flash flooding is also possible on the burn scars in the foothills.
Monday will be warm and dry, with temperatures near 90 degrees in Denver.
According to the National Weather Service forecast discussion, much of northeastern Colorado is under a slight risk of severe thunderstorms Tuesday, with large hail being the main threat and more than an inch of rain possible. Some supercells are possible Tuesday into the evening hours.
The eastern plains will likely see at least 1 inch of rain Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday night. That value is about 0.5 to 1 inch for the mountains and foothills, NWS reported.
There is “lesser potential” for damaging winds and tornadoes, according to the NWS.
Storms could take their time developing over the foothills, the NWS said, increasing the chances for flash flooding over the burn scars in Boulder and Larimer counties.
Late Sunday, Denver7 meteorologist Stacey Donaldson was forecasting two rounds of storms on Tuesday for the Denver area and moving east – one from roughly 2-5 p.m. and another between 9-11 p.m.
Thunderstorms are expected to give way to showers overnight into Wednesday, which will be a much cooler day in Denver. Severe weather chances Wednesday are highest near the Palmer Divide and higher elevations, according to the NWS.
On the eastern plains, locations along and north of Highway 50 — including El Paso County east and southeast into Kiowa and Prowers counties — are expected to see higher chances for showers and thunderstorms on Tuesday afternoon into the early and mid-evening. However, NWS called this an "isolated" risk for severe weather, namely damaging winds and large hail.
The risk for severe weather here decreases further into the evening, though the chance of an isolated shower and thunderstorm is still possible. NWS said any precipitation in this area will be short-lived.
With outdoor activities galore this 4th of July Holiday period, please practice sound lightning safety protocols - "When thunder roars, go indoors!"
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) July 2, 2023
Scattered shower/storm activity today, higher coverage of stronger storms expected on the 4th. #COwx pic.twitter.com/aK8dfWktJJ
The NWS out of Grand Junction said an incoming front may bring gusty winds on Tuesday evening, which will increase the already critical fire weather. Some thunderstorms may rumble along and north of Interstate 70 overnight Tuesday.
A few storms will produce hail and strong winds.
Storm chances continue Wednesday, Thursday and Friday statewide.
