Denver to See First 80-Degree Day of the Year, Temperatures Soar

Unseasonably warm weather expected to break records across the region this week

Mar. 18, 2026 at 9:36am

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Denver and the surrounding region are in for a stretch of unusually warm and dry weather, with temperatures expected to climb into the 80s and even approach 90 degrees by the end of the week. This early-season heat wave could break long-standing temperature records for the month of March.

Why it matters

The combination of very warm temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds will create heightened fire danger across the area, raising concerns about the potential for fast-spreading wildfires. This extreme warmth is highly unusual for this time of year and is a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change on regional weather patterns.

The details

Starting on Wednesday, afternoon highs will climb into the 70s on the plains, with even warmer air building just above the surface. By Thursday and Friday, temperatures are expected to push into the mid-80s, which is well above normal for this time of year. The peak of the warm spell is expected on Saturday, when temperatures could reach near 90 degrees, potentially setting new all-time records for the month of March.

  • Wednesday, March 18, 2026: Temperatures climb into the 70s on the plains.
  • Thursday, March 19, 2026 - Friday, March 20, 2026: Temperatures reach the mid-80s, breaking long-standing records.
  • Saturday, March 21, 2026: Temperatures could reach near 90 degrees, potentially setting new all-time records for March.

The players

Denver

The city of Denver, Colorado, which is expected to experience the record-breaking warm temperatures this week.

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What’s next

The warm spell is expected to end late on Saturday, with a weak system moving through and bringing cooler temperatures in the 60s by Sunday. Early next week should feel more seasonable overall, with less extreme warmth compared to the end of this week.

The takeaway

This early-season heat wave is a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change on regional weather patterns, with the combination of very warm temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds creating heightened fire danger across the Denver area. While the extreme warmth is expected to be short-lived, it underscores the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of climate change and prepare for more frequent and intense weather events in the future.