Colorado Sees Brief Respite From Record Heat, But Another Surge Looms

Early-season heat wave breaks records, but cooler temperatures and fire risk return soon

Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:33pm

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After days of record-breaking heat across Colorado, a cooldown has finally arrived, but it won't last long. Saturday saw Denver International Airport climb to 86 degrees, setting a new March record. While temperatures will dip into the 60s on Sunday, another surge of unseasonable heat is expected by Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing elevated fire risk back to the plains.

Why it matters

The extreme early-season heat is a concerning sign of climate change, with Colorado experiencing temperatures more typical of summer rather than spring. The brief respite provides little relief, as the fire danger is expected to ramp up quickly again, posing risks to public safety and property.

The details

A cold front sweeping through the state is bringing a temporary cooldown, with temperatures settling back into the mid-60s on Sunday. The front is also ushering in a bit more moisture, with a slight chance for light rain or snow showers. By Monday, temperatures will rebound into the 70s as warmer air builds back into the region. Then by Tuesday and Wednesday, another surge of heat is expected that could rival or exceed the records set this past week.

  • On Saturday, Denver International Airport reached 86 degrees, setting a new record for the warmest March temperature.
  • By Sunday afternoon, temperatures will settle back into the mid-60s.
  • By Monday, temperatures will rebound into the 70s.
  • By Tuesday and Wednesday, another surge of unseasonable heat is expected.

The players

Denver International Airport

The main airport serving the Denver metropolitan area, which recorded a new March temperature record of 86 degrees on Saturday.

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What’s next

A cold front is expected to move through by the end of the week, dropping temperatures into the 60s.

The takeaway

The extreme early-season heat in Colorado is a concerning sign of climate change, with the state experiencing temperatures more typical of summer rather than spring. While a brief cooldown provides some relief, the fire danger is expected to ramp up quickly again, posing risks to public safety and property.