Weather in Denver: near-record heat and sunny skies Wednesday

DENVER (KDVR) — Intense heat returns Wednesday and the Pinpoint Weather team expects it to persist through the weekend and beyond in the Denver weather forecast.

Weather today: Warm and sunny

Mostly sunny skies return Wednesday with a few clouds moving in in the afternoon.

Temperatures will reach the mid-90s, just below the record high of 97 degrees.

An Air Quality Alert is in effect until 4 p.m. for the Front Range as elevated levels of ground ozone will be present. People with respiratory illnesses should limit their time outdoors.

Weather tonight: clear and warm

Skies will remain clear Wednesday evening as winds remain light. Overnight lows will be very warm, only dipping into the lower 60s.

Outlook: Friday storms with warm temperatures

Thursday will be another warm day with highs in the mid 90s and sunny skies.

Friday adds clouds to the forecast with highs in the upper 80s. Strong storms will start in the early afternoon and slowly move into the plains. The northeast corner of the state could see a better chance of hail, gusty winds and an isolated tornado.

Saturday will be partly cloudy with warm temperatures near 90 degrees.

Mostly sunny skies return for Sunday as highs climb into the 90s.

Monday begins the next work week with abundant sunshine and warm temperatures in the 90s.

Tuesday there are additional clouds with chances of storms in the afternoon and highs in the upper 80s.