Southern Colorado is in for a sizzling Fourth of July weekend as high temperatures and breezy conditions create hot and dry weather. Cities like Pueblo, Lamar, and La Junta will experience near triple-digit heat, while mountain areas such as Leadville will enjoy cooler temperatures.
With fire danger concerns on the rise due to the heat and wind, it’s important for residents and visitors to stay prepared. The National Weather Service in Pueblo has forecasted mostly sunny skies with a slight chance of storms, but the heat will dominate the holiday weekend.
Hot Weather for Pueblo and Lamar
On Thursday, July 4, temperatures in southern Colorado will soar, with highs reaching 95°F to 97°F in cities like Pueblo, Lamar, La Junta, and Springfield. Lamar could hit 97°F on Friday, making it one of the hottest spots in the state.
The intense heat will last through Friday, with highs near 97°F in Lamar and 96°F in Pueblo. While most of the area will experience sunny skies, isolated late-day thunderstorms could pop up, though rain chances remain low, with only 10–15% probabilities after 6 p.m.
Windy Conditions Raise Fire Danger
In addition to the heat, breezy winds are expected to increase fire danger across the region. Wind gusts up to 21 mph are forecast for Thursday evening, particularly around sunset in areas like Alamosa and Del Norte.
These gusty winds combined with dry conditions could elevate wildfire risks and lead to reduced visibility for drivers, especially during the late afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service has advised caution for outdoor activities due to the fire threat.
Cooler Mountain Towns Provide a Break
If you’re looking to escape the intense heat, mountain towns like Leadville and Woodland Park will offer cooler temperatures, with highs in the 60s and 70s. These areas will remain much milder, providing a refreshing contrast to the sweltering heat in the plains. While the mountain towns will stay cooler, the plains will continue to see hot and dry conditions with only slight cooling by Sunday.
Weather Outlook for the Holiday Weekend
The weather will remain mostly dry through the weekend, with temperatures slightly cooling by Sunday. Highs will dip to around 89°F on Sunday, with calmer conditions in the afternoon.
However, the heat and dry weather will persist, and occasional late-day thunderstorms may develop, especially on Friday and Saturday. Keep an eye on weather updates as the holiday weekend approaches to stay prepared for changing conditions.
5-Day Forecast Snapshot (Pueblo Region)
| Day | Weather | High Temperature | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | Sunny | 91°F | – |
| Thursday (July 4) | Hot, breezy evening, 5–10% PM storm chance | 96°F | – |
| Friday | Mostly sunny, isolated evening storms | 97°F | – |
| Saturday | Slight cooling, windy at sunset | 93°F | – |
| Sunday | Drier and calmer | 89°F | – |
