Denver Ties 79°F March Heat Record on Sunday

Unseasonably warm weather sweeps Front Range, raising fire danger concerns.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:27am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Denver, Colorado officially tied a long-standing temperature record on Sunday, reaching 79°F and matching previous highs set in 1879, 1943, and 1967. The near-80-degree reading brought sunshine and dry conditions across the region, drawing residents outdoors but also raising seasonal concerns about elevated fire danger due to the warm, breezy weather.

Why it matters

While brief warm spells are not uncommon in Colorado's variable climate, tying a record that has stood for nearly 150 years underscores the intensity of this particular weather system. The unseasonably high temperatures highlight the potential impacts of climate change, including more frequent and extreme temperature swings that can disrupt seasonal norms and pose risks to public safety.

The details

According to the National Weather Service in Boulder, the high temperature on March 29th matched previous records set on the same date in 1879, 1943, and 1967. The warm, dry air combined with breezy conditions have elevated fire danger across parts of eastern Colorado, especially in grassy and open areas.

  • Denver officially reached 79°F on March 29, 2026.
  • Previous record highs of 79°F were set on March 29 in 1879, 1943, and 1967.

The players

National Weather Service in Boulder

The regional office of the National Weather Service that monitors weather conditions in Colorado, including the Denver metropolitan area.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Meteorologists say the above-average temperatures are expected to shift in the coming days, with cooler air and more typical spring conditions likely returning early this week. Travelers and commuters should monitor changing forecasts, especially as temperature swings can impact road conditions in higher elevations west of the Denver metro.

The takeaway

This record-tying heat event highlights the growing challenges posed by climate change, including more frequent and extreme temperature swings that can disrupt seasonal norms and pose risks to public safety. As Colorado's variable climate continues to shift, residents and officials will need to remain vigilant and adapt to rapidly changing weather patterns.