Afternoon thunderstorms headed to the Denver area Tuesday could bring quarter-sized hail and up to 60 mph winds, according to the National Weather Service.
The storms come as near-record heat is expected to continue in Denver on Tuesday, with temperature highs topping 95 degrees in the city, according to NWS forecasters.
The current Denver record for Aug. 6 temperatures is 100 degrees, set in 1980, according to NWS records. On average, the city sees temperatures in the high 80s at this time of year.
Wednesday will remain hot — forecasters said the city will see 95-degree highs for a second day, just four degrees below the record for Aug. 7, according to NWS records. The current heat record of 99 degrees was set in 1980.
Forecasters said that temperature highs are expected to drop nearly 20 degrees between Wednesday and Thursday. Both Thursday and Friday are forecast to see much cooler temperature highs of 77 degrees.
An Ozone Action Day air quality alert is in effect for the Front Range Urban Corridor until 4 p.m. Tuesday, according to NWS.
Hot, dry and stagnant weather combined with increased levels of ozone could create unhealthy air quality, especially for sensitive groups, NWS officials said in the alert.
Unhealthy ozone concentrations are more likely in the southern and western parts of the Denver area and the nearby foothills, according to the alert.
NWS officials said people should avoid driving gas or diesel vehicles in the metro area until the alert is lifted at 4 p.m. because additional air pollution could cause air quality to worsen further.
Active children and adults and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion Tuesday afternoon and evening, according to weather officials.