People braving the heat this summer have likely noticed the higher-than-usual temperatures. Greg Heavener, a meteorologist with the Boulder office of the National Weather Service, said June was the second-warmest on record for the region, according to temperatures recorded at the Denver International Airport.
“For probably 15 days, basically half the month of June, we had 90-plus degree temperatures,” Heavener said. “That’s not a record by any means, but that’s a lot of 90-plus degree days.”
2012 remains the hottest June recorded for the Front Range, he said.
Heavener said NWS Boulder anticipated this summer being fairly hot and dry, but the consistency of days over 90 degrees so far was surprising. Seven or eight days in a row in June were 95 degrees or warmer, Heavener said.
“That was probably more staggering, in our viewpoint – the intensity of the heat that early in the summer,” he said.
2024 is a La Niña year, the effects of which won’t be very visible until fall and winter. While there isn’t a direct correlation between recent hot temperatures and the climate pattern, Heavener said Colorado could see some moisture coming up from southern hurricanes and tropical storms.
On Saturday, the recorded high for the region was 93 degrees. Next weekend should see several 90-plus degree days in a row, Heavener said. Highs in the 90s should persist throughout the rest of July.
“Maybe not 90 every day, but at least upper 80s, if not low 90s,” Heavener said. “There’s higher confidence in seeing sustained warmth across the region this month, and then also into August.”
Heavener advised drinking water, wearing sunscreen and taking frequent breaks on hot days to beat the heat.
“Find some shade, take a few minutes to rest and recuperate…and then get back at it,” he said.
