I checked the forecast for Denver - thunderstorms everyday!??! Is that correct? We are planning a long weekend there, this weekend. Sounds like fun. We currently live in an area where it rains 9" per year - and we get lightning once, maybe twice a year. Years ago I lived in Wisconsin, so I know what its all about and miss it too. It was exciting to see the lightning and hear the crackling thunder. My kids have experienced it only once when we did have a storm and I thought it was directly over us. The forecast is predicting it every day. Wow. Hopefully it won't give us a problem for our days visiting Denver. Any comments about the storms?

Thanks,
Mike

Thunderstorms generally come and go quickly here in Denver - the heat of the summer day generates the storms which these days, we're grateful for. We've just endured 23 straight days of 90+ temps, breaking the old record of 18 days. A cold front is supposed to bring us relief and some rain, which we desperately need.

I'm glad to hear you're excited about experiencing a thunderstorm, but please, please be very careful if you're outside. It's not something to fool around with here. A tragic case just happened near Denver where two men were killed by lightning taking shelter from a storm under a tree. You need to be safely inside a house or a car if you see lightning, even at a distance. Most people plan hiking and other outdoor activities for the morning when storms are much less common. I hope you get your wish though... safely!

Tekwriter brings up a good safety feature for a thunderstorm--NEVER under a tree, and try to never be the "highest" thing. No open field, etc.
But in high heat areas, TSs pop up in the late afternoon as things (hopefully) cool down. They are also very scattered often, unless a whole front of rain is coming.

This time of the years is called "Monsoon" season for a very good reason! This is the time of year where we get the most rainfall, most of it coming between July and August.
They tend to come up in the afternoons and don't last long but can produce heavy rain, thunder, lightening and strong winds.

When you see weather forecasts, they typically show 20 - 30 % chance of rain/storms almost every afternoon.

Use common sense, and watch for small stream flooding and roads that can flood with heavy downpours which are typical of these type of storms.

Deb in NM

We are very dry here and would really like to see some significant rainfall but, unfortunately, there has been little rain in the latest storms. The afternoons recently seem to produce some thunder and lightening for short periods and a sprinkle or light rain. I doubt it'll be a problem; however, do use common sense regarding safe places when it's lightning. If there is a sudden and heavy downpour, be aware of possible flash flooding in the streams.

Don't know what your plans are for Sunday, but there is a big event (triathlon) in north Boulder, so there will be many cyclists in the area.

Have a great trip !

I live in the City and have not had rain since June. A bit of thunder but no storms like you are imagining. Perhaps a bit west or south of the city....Maybe you will bring luck and much needed rain.

We live in the city and got a fabulous downpour yesterday afternoon. It poured rain for about 20 minutes. Much needed.

Thunderstorms in Denver are fleeting, if they even materialize. Don't expect a gentle rain all day long, like in some cities. Ours blow in and out in very little time. You usually know they're coming and can plan accordingly.

The prime time for thunderstorms is usually 1-2 p.m. It can be later in the day, so plan outdoor activities for the morning and something where you can go inside for the afternoons.

In my experience, prime time for thunderstorms is from 3:00 p.m. till about 7:00 p.m.

Lucky you PeaceOut. I must live on the wrong block Even today while on the news reporting rain all over, just a sprinkle at my house.

Mike- You have gotten some good advice, it is now raining at our house but we are glad its cooling things off. So, bring your raincoats & hoodies if hiking, do outside stuff(hiking) earlier in the day, be aware if you are in a fast flood area. Watch the weather forecast because in the mountains things can change rapidly. But to be honest, because of the mountains, its difficult to predict the weather here & sometimes the forecasts are wrong. Just be prepared. We are going to the Rockies game tomorrow & will be taking raingear.

It's been raining on and off most of the day here in nearby Colorado Springs.

A much needed break from the oppressive heat we've had since mid-July. I'm loving this 60 degree weather (while it lasts anyway!)

Don't fret about the rain and thunderstorms - it's common for the clouds to roll in during the afternoons here in CO, but their bark is much worse than their bite. In fact, they usually don't produce a drop of rain.

Enjoy your weekend.

We only had one day/night of thunderstorms. It was fun to see the lightning and the heavy rain -but the news showed problems from the heavy rains. Didn't get hit, and when we were in the mountains the weather was fine - a few drops and light rain once, but nothing that required a change of plans. Thanks for the responses.