Denver Weather Radar
Denver Live Weather
Denver Live Weather Radar
Denver Hourly Weather Forecast
Denver 7-Day Weather Forecast
Denver Weather Overview
Denver weather radar tracks storms across the Front Range where mile-high elevation and semi-arid climate produce some of the most volatile weather in the Rockies. The Denver weather radar network monitors blizzards, hail, and flash floods via Doppler technology as systems develop rapidly over the mountains and push east into the metro. Denver averages only 14.48 inches of precipitation annually, but 49.0 inches of snow, and Doppler weather radar helps residents see exactly when these fast-moving systems will arrive.
Blizzards are Denver's most dangerous weather threat. The December 1-6, 1913 storm dumped 45.7 inches of snow over six days, the worst on record, and the December 24, 1982 Christmas Eve blizzard dropped 23.6 inches in 24 hours. Denver weather radar is critical during these events as conditions can shift from clear skies to whiteout within an hour. Between blizzards, Denver Doppler radar tracks spring and summer supercells that produce golf-ball-sized hail — Colorado leads the nation in hail insurance claims. The June 25-26, 2012 heat wave tied Denver's all-time record of 105°F, while the 2002 drought saw only 7.48 inches of precipitation for the entire year.
The National Weather Service Denver/Boulder office (WFO BOU) provides Doppler radar coverage for the metro and surrounding Front Range. Live Denver weather radar tracking helps commuters on I-25 and I-70 time travel around sudden storms, while hikers heading to Rocky Mountain National Park use weather radar Denver coverage to avoid dangerous afternoon lightning. Denver weather radar remains essential year-round in a city where temperatures can swing 40-50°F in a single day.
Denver Weather Risks & Safety
Hail Risk
Hail-producing thunderstorms hit Denver most often in spring. Hailstones range from pea-sized to larger than golf balls — enough to dent cars, crack windshields, and punch through roof shingles. On the radar, look for bright red and purple cores inside storm cells — that's where the big hail lives. When you see an intense cell headed toward Denver, get your car under cover and stay away from windows and skylights.
Extreme Cold & Wind Chill Risk
When Arctic air drops into Denver, temperatures plunge well below zero and wind chill values become dangerous — frostbite can set in within minutes of exposed skin. On the radar, watch for the approaching cold front and any precipitation behind it that could freeze on contact. Before it hits: insulate your pipes, stock up on heating fuel, and plan to stay indoors. Wind chill advisories in Denver mean business.
How to Use Denver Weather Radar
Check current conditions on the Denver weather radar
View the interactive map to see real-time precipitation, storm intensity, and snow bands moving across the Front Range. The color-coded display shows whether blizzard conditions or hail cells are approaching Denver's metro area.
Review hourly forecast data for Denver
Examine temperature, wind speed, and precipitation probability for the next 24 hours. Denver's high-altitude location creates rapid weather changes, so checking hourly updates helps you prepare for sudden temperature drops or afternoon thunderstorm development.
Monitor the 7-day outlook for Denver weather patterns
View the extended forecast to plan for major winter storms or summer hail events. Denver typically sees heaviest snowfall from November through April, while severe thunderstorms peak from May through August across the metro area.
Enable weather alerts for Denver-area warnings
Turn on notifications to receive immediate updates when the National Weather Service issues blizzard warnings, severe thunderstorm watches, or flash flood advisories for Denver and surrounding Front Range communities.
Who Benefits from Denver Weather Radar
Commuters & Drivers
Drivers on I-25, I-70, and Highway 36 rely on accurate weather radar to avoid dangerous blizzard conditions and black ice on Denver's highways. The notorious gap between Denver and Fort Collins on I-25 sees frequent winter pileups. Checking radar before commuting from suburbs like Aurora, Lakewood, or Thornton prevents getting caught in sudden snowstorms or summer hailstorms that damage vehicles.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Hikers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts heading to Red Rocks Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, or the nearby ski resorts use Denver weather radar to track approaching mountain storms. Afternoon thunderstorms develop rapidly over the Front Range during summer months, creating dangerous lightning conditions. Winter recreation requires monitoring blizzard formation that can trap visitors in backcountry areas.
Event Planners & Families
Attendees at Mile High Stadium (Empower Field), Coors Field, Ball Arena, and Red Rocks Amphitheatre check Denver weather radar to prepare for rain delays, lightning evacuations, or unexpected snowfall during spring games. Concert and sporting event organizers monitor radar to make safety decisions, especially during Colorado Rockies games when afternoon thunderstorms frequently interrupt play.
Outdoor Workers
Construction crews, airport staff at Denver International Airport, and outdoor workers in Denver's growing tech and energy sectors depend on weather radar to plan daily operations. DIA experiences frequent weather delays due to blizzards and summer thunderstorms, making radar monitoring essential for ground crews. Landscapers and roofers track hail forecasts to protect equipment and avoid the May-through-August hail season.