Denver Shatters March Heat Records, Marking Unprecedented Warmth
Denver is experiencing an extraordinary heat wave, breaking monthly and daily temperature records at an unprecedented rate. As of March 26, 2026, the city has recorded five record highs in just seven days, culminating in a peak temperature of 87 degrees Fahrenheit at Denver International Airport on Wednesday, March 25th. This surpasses the previous all-time March record of 86 degrees, set just last Saturday.
Record-Breaking Heat Wave Details
The temperature at Denver International Airport reached 87°F on Wednesday, breaking the previous daily record of 75°F by 9:53 a.m. 9News reports this is the fifth record high in seven days, following a high of 81 degrees on Tuesday. Prior to this, records were broken on March 19th and 20th with temperatures reaching 85 degrees. The previous all-time March temperature record was 84 degrees on March 26, 1971.
Broader Colorado Heat
The heat isn’t limited to Denver. The Denver Post reports temperatures reached the 90s in several Colorado communities on Wednesday, including 96 degrees in Greeley and Mack, and 94 degrees in Fountain, Florence, and Pueblo. Denver and Southglenn both recorded 92 degrees, while Loveland, Lakewood, Aurora, Longmont, and Fort Collins saw temperatures of 90 degrees.
Climate Change Connection
International climate scientists at World Weather Attribution have stated that a heat wave of this magnitude “would have been virtually impossible without human-induced climate change.” The Denver Post highlights this connection, emphasizing the role of a large heat dome moving eastward.
Cooling Trend and Weekend Outlook
A cold front is expected to move in Thursday night, bringing cooler temperatures and cloudy weather for Friday, with potential for rain showers and thunderstorms. Highs on Friday are forecast to be in the 50s. However, the respite will be brief, with temperatures expected to climb back into the 70s over the weekend, approaching 80 degrees on Sunday. 9News notes this warming trend will coincide with the Denver Summit FC opener on Saturday at Empower Field at Mile High.