Denver hits 90+ degrees for the 59th time this year

Denver has experienced an unprecedented number of days with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees, reaching this mark for the 59th time this year at the Denver International Airport. This surge in hot weather is part of a broader trend, as the summer of 2024 has been recorded as the second hottest summer in the city's history. Over the past three decades, the average number of days with temperatures at or above 90 degrees is approximately 46, indicating that this year is significantly above the norm by 13 days. The historical data reveals that the years 2020, 2021, and 2022 had notably high counts of 90-degree days, with 2020 leading at 75 days. The current tally places 2024 in a tie for the sixth-most days at or above this temperature, alongside several other recent years. This trend highlights a concerning pattern of increasing heat in Denver, with six of the eight highest years occurring within the last decade. Meteorologists predict that the hot weather will continue, with expectations of an additional 1-4 days reaching or exceeding 90 degrees in the upcoming two weeks. If this forecast holds true, it could elevate Denver's standing on the all-time leaderboard for hot days, potentially placing it in the top five. The implications of these rising temperatures are significant, affecting not only the local climate but also public health, energy consumption, and water resources. As the city grapples with these extreme weather patterns, the need for adaptive strategies becomes increasingly urgent to mitigate the impacts of climate change.