Honestly, if you're standing in the middle of Jeppesen Terminal right now or checking your phone from a kitchen table, the only thing you care about is whether that "On Time" status is about to flip to "Delayed." Denver International Airport (DEN) is basically a weather machine that sometimes lets planes through. Today, January 14, 2026, things are looking surprisingly stable, but in Colorado, that can change before you even finish your overpriced airport latte.
The current denver airport weather delays today map shows a "Normal" status from the FAA. That’s a relief. We aren't seeing those massive red blobs on the national delay map that usually signal a total standstill. But "normal" at DIA doesn't mean zero wait. Currently, arrival traffic is seeing airborne delays of 15 minutes or less. On the departure side, gate holds and taxi delays are also hovering around that 15-minute mark. It's the kind of day where you might sit on the tarmac a bit longer, but you aren't stuck sleeping on a cot.
The Map and the Reality of January 14
Right now, the sky over the airfield is cloudy. The temperature is sitting at 39°F, but it feels like 34°F thanks to a northeast wind blowing at 7 mph. If you’re looking at the live FAA National Airspace System (NAS) map, Denver is green. Compare that to the East Coast today—places like Boston and New York are wrestling with gusty winds that are actually causing real headaches.
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Here’s the thing about Denver: we’re currently in a weirdly dry stretch. We’ve only had about 6.8 inches of snow so far this season, which is way below the usual 20-plus inches we expect by now. While the denver airport weather delays today map isn't showing a snow-induced ground stop, there’s a 10% chance of light rain or "vicinity showers" throughout the day.
Why the Map Stays Green (For Now)
Even with some clouds and light moisture, pilots are operating under VFR (Visual Flight Rules). The visibility is great—6 miles or better.
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- Wind: It’s coming from the northeast at 7 mph. That’s a breeze for DIA's massive runways.
- Ceiling: The clouds are hanging around 4,000 to 8,000 feet. Not low enough to force instrument-only landings.
- Ground Ops: Since there’s no major ice, the de-icing pads aren't backed up. This is usually the #1 reason the delay map turns yellow or orange in January.
What Could Change This Afternoon?
Weather in the Rockies is moody. The forecast for the rest of Wednesday shows a high of 53°F with sunny conditions moving in. You’d think that’s perfect, right? Usually, yes. But keep an eye on the wind. As the temperature rises and the pressure shifts, those "variable" winds can pick up. If the wind direction shifts too fast, DIA has to "turn the boat," changing the direction of all arrivals and departures. That’s when you see the denver airport weather delays today map start to show those annoying 15-30 minute "taxi delays."
Managing Your Trip Today
Don't just trust the big boards. Seriously. The FAA map tracks the airport's health, not your specific plane. If your incoming aircraft is coming from Seattle or the Northeast, you might be delayed even if the sun is shining in Denver. Seattle is currently dealing with low clouds, and the FAA has warned about potential delays there.
Check the FlightAware or FlightStats maps specifically for your flight number. If you see your "inbound" plane is still sitting in Boston, your Denver departure is a lie.
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Actionable Steps for Travelers
- Check the FAA NAS Status: If the map shows a "Ground Stop" or "Delay Program," grab a seat and a charger. You aren't going anywhere soon.
- Watch the Wind: If the winds at DIA exceed 20 knots, expect the map to start showing arrival delays.
- Monitor the "Inbound": Use a tracker to see where your plane is before it gets to Denver.
- The 15-Minute Rule: Today's current 15-minute delay is standard. If that number jumps to 45 minutes on the FAA board, airlines will likely start canceling "thin" routes to save slots for bigger planes.
Basically, enjoy the relatively calm weather while it lasts. We've got a cold front and potential snow moving in by Friday, which will likely turn the denver airport weather delays today map into a much messier picture. For today, you're mostly in the clear, just give yourself the usual buffer for the TSA lines—which, let's be real, are often a bigger wildcard than the Colorado clouds.