Honestly, if you stepped outside in Denver yesterday, you probably thought spring had arrived two months early. It’s been weirdly warm. Like, record-breakingly warm. Denver just notched its 26th day of 60-degree weather this season—the most on record for this point in winter. But as of this morning, Friday, January 16, 2026, that "fake spring" is officially over.
The weather right now in denver colorado is a sharp reality check. A powerful cold front roared through the Front Range overnight, and it brought some serious baggage with it. We aren't just talking about a little dip in the temperature; we’re looking at a high-stakes combination of plummeting mercury, fierce winds, and a surprisingly high fire risk for the middle of January.
The Cold Front Reality Check
If you're looking at your phone right now, you'll see the numbers have taken a nosedive. We are struggling to hit a high of 41°F today. That is a massive 20-degree drop from the balmy 60s we saw just 24 hours ago.
The wind is the real story, though.
Basically, the National Weather Service has the entire metro area under a High Wind Warning and a Red Flag Warning. It’s kind of a strange paradox. It's cold enough that you want a heavy coat, but the air is so bone-dry and the wind is so fast that the fire danger is actually critical. We’re talking about humidity levels bottoming out between 10% and 20%.
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When you mix that with northwest winds sustained at 30 to 40 mph and gusts that could whip up to 65 mph on the plains, you get a recipe for trouble. Xcel Energy has even been on standby for potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs in some northern areas because one downed line in this wind could start a fast-moving grass fire.
What to Expect Hour-by-Hour Today
The sky is looking pretty moody today—mostly cloudy with a 10% chance of a stray snow flurry. Don't expect a winter wonderland, though. Any moisture that tries to fall is going to be eaten up by that dry air before it can even think about sticking.
- Morning: Winds are already ramping up. If you have patio furniture or empty trash cans out, they’re probably in your neighbor’s yard by now.
- Midday: This is when the Red Flag Warning is in full effect (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM). The gusts will be at their peak.
- Evening: Temperatures will drop to a low of 26°F. The wind won’t stop entirely, but it should lose some of its "knock-you-over" power.
Why it Feels Like Three Seasons in One Week
Denver weather has always been a bit schizophrenic, but January 2026 is taking it to a new level. The reason we're seeing these wild swings—from record 60s to high-wind fire warnings—comes down to a strong north-northwest flow aloft and a 120-knot jet stream sitting right over our heads.
The mountains are catching a little bit of snow, but the "downsloping" effect is what's killing us in the city. As that air moves down the mountains, it warms up and dries out. It's why we have such low humidity despite it being "winter."
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It’s also worth noting that this is technically a La Niña pattern. Historically, that means the northern part of the state gets some moisture while Denver and the southern plains stay dry and windy. We are seeing that play out perfectly right now.
Is the Warmth Coming Back?
Short answer: Yes.
If you hate this 40-degree wind tunnel, just hang on until Sunday. A brief ridge is going to move in, and we’ll likely see temperatures jump back up 15 to 20 degrees. We’ll be back in the high 50s or low 60s before the next trough hits on Monday.
Real-World Impacts for Denverites Today
This isn't just "talk about the weather" weather. It actually impacts what you can do today.
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First, the Red Flag Warning is no joke. The National Weather Service in Denver/Boulder is being very clear: avoid anything that could spark. No outdoor burning, no tossing cigarettes, and honestly, be careful if you’re pulling a trailer—a dragging chain sparking on the pavement is a classic way these fires start.
Second, the wind is a hazard for high-profile vehicles. If you’re driving a van or a truck on I-25 or C-470, those 60 mph gusts will try to push you into the next lane.
Third, the air quality is actually okay for now. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) hasn't issued any major advisories because the wind is doing a great job of "scouring" the air and keeping the brown cloud away.
Actionable Steps for the Next 24 Hours
Since the weather right now in denver colorado is leaning into the "extreme wind" category, here is what you actually need to do:
- Secure the loose stuff: Check your trampolines, umbrellas, and lightweight patio chairs.
- Hydrate your skin: With 12% humidity and 50 mph winds, you’re going to feel like a raisin by noon.
- Watch the power updates: Keep an eye on the Xcel Energy outage map. While shutoffs are more likely north of the city (like Fort Collins or Boulder), high winds can cause localized outages anywhere.
- Dress in blocks, not layers: Since the wind is the main factor, a windbreaker or a hardshell jacket over a sweater is way more effective today than a thick wool coat that the wind can blow right through.
Avoid any outdoor activities involving open flames until at least Saturday morning when the winds are expected to settle down. The Red Flag conditions should expire by 6:00 PM tonight, but the dry air will linger through the weekend. Stay safe out there and hold onto your hats—literally.