Severe thunderstorms threaten Pride Parade and Metallica concert in Denver
- Denver's Pride Parade took place in the morning, followed by a Metallica concert in the evening.
- The weather was initially sunny, but strong to severe thunderstorms were expected to develop by the afternoon.
- People attending outdoor events were advised to stay weather aware and have backup plans.
On Sunday, July 1, 2025, Denver, Colorado, experienced a busy day filled with vibrant events including the Pride Parade in the morning and a Metallica concert in the evening. The weather began sunny, allowing participants and attendees to enjoy the festivities. As the day progressed, however, meteorological forecasts predicted a swift shift in weather conditions, with strong to severe thunderstorms likely to develop after noon. These storms were anticipated to spread into the Denver metro area and eastward by around 2 p.m., primarily affecting areas from the east side of Denver to the Denver International Airport and beyond. The threat level for severe weather encompassed damaging wind gusts and large hail. A notable concern was the potential for one or two of these storms to briefly produce tornado activity, which tends to accompany severe thunderstorms. As the day unfolded, the timing and intensity of an incoming cold front would greatly influence the development and severity of these storms. If the cold front arrived earlier or was stronger than anticipated, it could either enhance storm activity or mitigate its effects. Therefore, attendees of the Pride Parade and concert were advised to remain vigilant regarding weather updates and have contingency plans in place for their outdoor experiences. In the days leading up to July 4th, Colorado's weather was expected to remain variable. Meteorologists forecasted daily chances of spotty storms, with temperatures ranging from the 80s to the 90s. It was emphasized that these storms could produce brief downpours lasting around 15 to 20 minutes, typically followed by a mix of sun and clouds. Independence Day celebrations on July 4th carried a 30 to 40 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, consistent with the previous pattern of thunderstorms across Colorado. Fortunately, forecasters anticipated that skies would begin to clear at sunset, just in time for the fireworks displays to commence between 8 and 9 p.m. This prospect offered a silver lining to an otherwise tumultuous weather forecast during a busy holiday week, when many people planned gatherings and fireworks displays across the state. As such, the public was encouraged to stay informed about the weather conditions as the holiday approached.