Temperatures in Durango have been topping out in the low to mid-90s this week, and that trend is expected to continue through at least Thursday.
The toasty weather is also affecting surrounding areas like Cortez and Pagosa Springs, along with the Front Range and parts of New Mexico, according to the Weather Channel.
Tom Renwick, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, said it might be hot – but it’s not technically a heat wave.
In Southwest Colorado, a heat wave is defined as several consecutive days of 100-degree highs with nighttime temperatures staying above 70 degrees, he said.
In 2023 and 2024, temperatures during the same week in Durango, Cortez and Pagosa Springs hovered in the mid- to high-70s and 80s – quite a bit cooler than this week’s forecast.
Renwick is confident that the cooler temperatures in previous years were likely the result of monsoon activity or cold fronts moving through.
“It’s such a localized and very small time frame that it’s got to (be due to) those clouds and the precip or a cold front,” Renwick said.
After months of mostly dry weather, Renwick said moisture can be expected in the next few days. Those rainstorms may signal the start of monsoon season – which has been mostly absent.
“It’s warm and so dry across the whole Western Slope – just so, so dry – because we just haven't gotten any precip,” Renwick said. “So, any (moisture) we’re getting is good news. Down in the southern valleys, the clouds are going to overspread pretty much from Cortez all the way to Pagosa and areas east, and if it rains (it’ll) get a bit cooler.”
Scattered thunderstorms are expected Wednesday through next week, according to the Weather Channel.
While this week’s high temperatures don’t qualify as a heat wave, it’s still important to stay hydrated, be smart about outdoor activities and recreate earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid any negative effects of the heat, Renwick said.
“It’s just so warm out there, and so dry,” he said. “Just make sure you bring lots and lots and lots of water – and use common sense.”
Fires across the region have prompted evacuations, air quality warnings and fire restrictions. The recent hot, dry conditions have made it harder to contain wildfires – and harder to keep firefighters cool.
“It makes a hot job even hotter – even a little harder,” said Scott Nielson, battalion chief with Durango Fire Protection District.
Hot days are often accompanied by low humidity, which increases fire danger by drying out grasses.
“It’s not a good combination for fire danger, especially in the drought we’re in right now,” Nielson said.
Nielson urged residents to follow fire restrictions.
“The best thing people (can) do is just be super mindful,” he said.
Stage 2 fire restrictions took effect Aug. 8 in La Plata County and surrounding areas.
epond@durangoherald.com
