Monsoon moisture promises rain and storms to Colorado this week
- The Front Range of Colorado will experience mostly dry conditions and isolated afternoon thunderstorms before monsoon moisture arrives.
- Monsoon moisture is expected to begin lifting north into the Denver area on Tuesday afternoon, increasing chances for rain and storms.
- This moisture will be crucial for alleviating the severe drought conditions currently affecting the western half of Colorado.
In Colorado, dry conditions are anticipated in the Front Range before the arrival of monsoon moisture. This weather pattern is expected to impact the region beginning on Tuesday afternoon, July 22, 2025. The current weather situation features high temperatures in the metro area reaching the mid-90s, while mountain temperatures are forecasted to be in the 70s and 80s. Despite the high temperatures, isolated afternoon thunderstorms may occur. As the week progresses, the weather system is expected to shift following the interaction of a low-pressure system and a high-pressure system. This change will allow moisture to be drawn from the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, providing necessary relief to the state, which is currently experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions in its western half. By Tuesday afternoon, monsoon moisture will start to move northward, resulting in potential rain and storms across the Denver metro area later in the day. Rain is also anticipated to reach the mountains during Tuesday afternoon, increasing the chance of precipitation in the urban corridor later on. Although the risk of severe weather is relatively low, there is a concern for heavy rain associated with slower-moving showers, especially in some stronger storms affecting the Eastern Plains, which are currently under a level 1 marginal risk. As conditions continue to develop, Wednesday is expected to bring a greater chance of storms and precipitation across Colorado. Some storms on this day may produce damaging wind gusts and large hail, adding to the challenges posed by the already precarious drought situation. Nonetheless, temperatures will cool slightly, dropping into the 80s on Wednesday and Thursday, before high pressure returns and temperatures rise again by Friday, leading into a drier weekend ahead. It is critical that the upcoming rainfall effectively alleviates some of the dry conditions affecting the region, which have been concerning for agricultural activities and overall water supply.