Strong storms expected today (Wed) active weather for the weekend (Thu-Sat)

07/16/25 8:45am: Good morning, we have an active weather day in store, especially for the front-range, but some storms for the mountains as well.

As expected its socked in with some low clouds along the front-range this morning (and a little bit of smoke mixed in) behind last night's cold-front. The deeper moisture will set the stage for some rounds of stronger storms this afternoon but its a bit conditional....if the clouds can really clear out and the sun comes out, then strong storms will be likely after 1pm today, we need it to warm up at the surface as its rather cool out there right now.

For Den/Bou and the front-range: expecting scattered storms from 1pm-8pm, best chances will be in the 2-6pm timeframe with likely a few severe storms in spots with heavy rain, small hail and can't rule out a brief tornado. Best chances for severe storms will be along/east of I-25 after 3pm. Eastern plains will have some severe storms this afternoon as well (3pm-9pm).

For the north-central mountains expecting isolated to scattered storms from 12pm-7pm. Best coverage from Summit County east, front-range mountains will be favored. But can't rule out a few stronger storms in Summit, Grand and ClearCreek counties this afternoon.

Also pretty good coverage of storms over south-central CO and southeast CO, same timeframe: 1pm-8pm, best coverage along/east of the Cont. Divide.

Looking ahead, deeper monsoon moisture returns to southern CO and parts of the mountains Thu-Sat. Good storm chances tomorrow from along/south of I-70 and into most of south-central / southwest CO.

For southern and western CO tomorrow: storms from 12pm-6pm.For the north-central mountains tomorrow, isolated to scattered storms: 1pm-7pm (best coverage along/south of I-70)For Den/Bou and the front-range tomorrow: another round of isolated to scattered storms from 3pm-9pm.

On Friday and Saturday will stick with good afternoon thunderstorm chances in most areas, especially the mountains, after 1pm each day.

First image loop shows forecast radar over the next 48hrs (6am this morning to 6am Fri) from latest HRRR. Second image is current local satellite / surface overlay showing the clouds and cooler temps on the front-range. Image 3 and 4 show where the severe weather threat will be for today along with best chances for hail (and a few isolated tornadoes).

I tell my kids I was born in the 70s and they think I'm really old. July 16th, 1979 was a good day, that is when my love of weather started lol. 46 and still picking up sticks, feeling pretty good. Grateful for family, friends and this weather group. We will be heading up to Silverthorne for a few nights later this afternoon. We will be eating dinner and getting some beers at Outer Range this evening around 6pm if any Summit friends are around stop by. Cheers.