Forecast for Boulder, Colorado
Issued: 2026-04-04 14:46 MDT
This Afternoon and Evening, Saturday 4 April: Clear skies will dominate as temperatures climb steadily through the afternoon, reaching the mid sixties before gradually cooling into the upper forties overnight. Light easterlies will blow around 5 mph, with occasional gusts near 10 mph late in the evening.
Tomorrow, Sunday 5 April: The morning will start clear and cool, with the low expected near 39°F. Skies will fill with clouds through the afternoon before clearing again by evening, while the high will reach 65°F. Northwesterlies will shift to easterlies, staying between 5 and 10 mph.
Monday 6 April: Overcast conditions will persist from morning into the afternoon as the low will be 37°F, while the high will climb to 70°F. Northerlies will blow at 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 15 mph. Clouds will thicken late in the day, bringing a chance of light rain overnight.
Tuesday 7 April: Thick clouds will cover the area early, with the low expected near 49°F. Skies will clear by midday, allowing the high to reach 73°F. Southwesterlies will strengthen to 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph in the afternoon. Clouds will return by evening, carrying a slight chance of rain late at night.
Wednesday 8 April: Overcast skies will continue as the low will drop to 40°F overnight. A brief period of light rain will occur in the early morning, bringing less than 0.01 inches of moisture, with snow levels holding near 10,000 feet. The day will remain cloudy as the high reaches 69°F, while easterlies blow at 5 to 10 mph. Another chance of rain will develop during the evening.
Existing Vulnerabilities
- Drought and Fire Risk: Boulder is experiencing a severe, long-term drought with historically low snowpack, leading to dry conditions that significantly increase the risk of wildfires. Stage 1 fire restrictions are currently in effect countywide, prohibiting open fires and certain activities to mitigate ignition risks.
- Water Supply Stress: The lack of winter snowpack has created a water supply deficit, making the region highly sensitive to any further drying trends and increasing the importance of managing water resources effectively.
Weather Impact Thresholds
- High Wind Events: Boulder is highly susceptible to extreme Chinook winds, particularly in the foothills and western parts of the city. Wind gusts exceeding 95–100 km/h (approx. 60 mph) are known to cause structural damage, down power lines, and create dangerous conditions for high-profile vehicles.
- Flash Flooding: While the area is semi-arid, intense rainfall can trigger flash flooding, especially in the canyons and urban areas with poor drainage. Historically, significant flooding has occurred when heavy, sustained rainfall (e.g., exceeding 25–50 mm in a short period) falls on already saturated or dry, impermeable ground.
- Wildfire Spread: Under dry conditions, wind gusts as low as 50–60 km/h can cause rapid, uncontrollable wildfire spread, particularly in the wildland-urban interface.
Exposed Populations and Assets
- Homeless Populations: Individuals experiencing homelessness are highly vulnerable to extreme weather, including cold snaps or high-heat events, and rely on community resources that may be strained during severe weather.
- Older Adults: A significant and growing portion of the population is aged 60+, including many living alone or with disabilities, who may require additional support during weather-related emergencies or power outages.
- Critical Infrastructure: Power lines and transportation corridors, particularly north-south roads near the mountains, are vulnerable to damage from high winds and potential debris, which can lead to widespread outages and travel disruptions.
Upcoming Events
- Boulder Arts Week: This citywide event takes place at multiple locations throughout Boulder from April 3, 2026, to April 12, 2026.
- Boulder Farmers Market: This recurring event begins its season on April 4, 2026, and is held at a central outdoor location.
- Motus Playback Theater Presents: Many Paths, One Home: This community event is scheduled for April 4, 2026.
- Spaceship Earth Multimedia Presentation: This event, part of Boulder Arts Week, is scheduled for April 6, 2026.
- Pat Metheny Concert: This event is scheduled for April 7, 2026.
- Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF): This major event occurs at multiple locations throughout Boulder from April 9, 2026, to April 12, 2026.
- Lily Rose Concert: This event is scheduled for April 10, 2026.
- Eco-Mural Bike Tour: This event is scheduled for April 11, 2026.
- "A Quartet for All Time" with Josh Halpern: This event is scheduled for April 11, 2026.
- Winyah w/ Cardinal Bloom Concert: This event is scheduled for April 12, 2026.
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