Denver, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs Brace for Hottest March Day on Record as Plains and I-25 Corridor Surge Into 90s
DENVER, COLORADO — Colorado is on the verge of experiencing what forecasters are calling the hottest March day on record, with temperatures soaring into the upper 80s and lower 90s across the plains and along the I-25 corridor.
The National Weather Service in Denver/Boulder warns that nearly all locations across eastern Colorado are expected to set new March temperature records, and some communities could even challenge early April records.
90s Along the I-25 Corridor
Forecast highs show widespread 90-degree readings stretching from northern to southern portions of the Front Range urban corridor.
Expected highs include:
- Denver (DIA): 90°F
- Fort Collins: 91°F
- Greeley: 91°F
- Boulder: 91°F
- Colorado Springs: 90°F
- Castle Rock: 88°F
- Bennett: 90°F
- Limon: 90°F
Farther east across the plains, even hotter temperatures are anticipated:
- Sterling: 93°F
- Holyoke: 93°F
- Wray: 95°F
- Akron: 90°F
- Burlington: 92°F
- Fort Morgan: 92°F
These readings are extraordinary for March and represent departures far above seasonal averages.
High Country Warmer Than Normal Too
While the plains and lower elevations are seeing extreme heat, higher elevations are also experiencing unusual warmth.
Mountain and high country communities are forecast to reach the 70s to near 80°F, including:
- Estes Park: upper 70s
- Granby: mid to upper 70s
- Kremmling: upper 70s
- Breckenridge and Vail: 60s to low 70s
- Buena Vista: low 80s
Even at elevation, temperatures are running well above normal for late March.
Fire Danger Elevated Below 9,000 Feet
With such heat combined with dry conditions, forecasters are emphasizing very high fire danger today below 9,000 feet.
Low humidity and strong March sunshine will increase the risk of rapid fire spread, particularly across grassy plains and foothill regions.
Early Season Heat Brings Added Risk
This event carries added concern because it arrives early in the season, when residents are not yet acclimated to summer-like temperatures.
Health officials remind Coloradans that early season heat can pose greater risks due to lack of acclimation. Hydration and lightweight clothing are strongly recommended, even if it feels “too early” for heat precautions.
A Historic March Event
Reaching the upper 80s and 90s across much of eastern Colorado in March is rare. If forecast highs verify, this day will stand out as one of the most anomalous early-season heat events in state history.
From Denver and Fort Collins south through Colorado Springs, and east across Sterling, Holyoke, Wray, and Burlington, records appear likely to fall.
Colorado is not just experiencing warm weather — it is witnessing a potential climatological milestone in late March.
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