09/19/2026
Storms are developing across Southern Colorado this afternoon, and the setup is becoming more favorable for a few strong to severe thunderstorms—especially east of I-25 and north of Highway 50.
A southwest flow high in the atmosphere is carrying a disturbance in from the west, while southeast winds near the ground are bringing higher moisture and dew points up against the foothills and Palmer Divide. That combination is creating wind shear, one of the ingredients that can help thunderstorms organize and strengthen as they move onto the plains.
The area with the better severe-weather potential is generally east of I-25 and north of Highway 50. That includes parts of Elbert County, the eastern side of the Denver metro, and areas farther out across the plains. Storms are already beginning to develop in Douglas County, near the east side of the Denver metro, and across southwestern Elbert County.
Through the middle and late afternoon, storms should continue to develop near the Palmer Divide and move generally east-northeast. We are also watching for storms to come off Pikes Peak and track across El Paso County. The busiest window for the northern and northeastern parts of the area looks to be from now through roughly 3:30 to 4:00 p.m., before storms spread east-southeast into the evening.
Hail is the main concern with the stronger storms over the next several hours. Some storms could produce significant hail, particularly where they can take advantage of the stronger wind shear and better low-level moisture east of I-25. Have a way to move vehicles under cover if a storm approaches, and avoid waiting until hail is already falling to make a plan.
As we head farther into the evening, the threat may shift more toward damaging wind gusts across far eastern Colorado. Gusts near 70 mph are possible in the stronger storms from around Limon east toward Cheyenne Wells, where there is a little more energy available for storms to organize. Strong winds can arrive quickly ahead of or with a thunderstorm, so secure lightweight outdoor items and be ready to move inside when storms get close.
Not every neighborhood will see severe weather, and the storm coverage will be uneven. Still, this is a day to pay attention to the sky, especially if you have outdoor plans, travel across the eastern plains, or need to be on the road during the afternoon and evening. Thunderstorms can produce frequent lightning, sudden downpours, brief reductions in visibility, hail, and strong outflow winds even when they do not reach severe limits.
For Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Canon City, Trinidad, La Junta, Walsenburg, and communities along and west of I-25, storms are possible this afternoon and evening, but the higher-end severe potential is focused farther east and north of Highway 50. Storms near Pikes Peak and across El Paso County will be worth watching as they move off the higher terrain toward the plains.
A severe thunderstorm watch may be issued this afternoon if the atmosphere continues to come together as expected. A watch means conditions are favorable for severe storms; it is a good time to review where you would go if a warning is issued for your location. If a warning is issued, move indoors and stay away from windows until the storm has passed.
Keep the Peaks to Plains Weather app nearby for storm-specific updates, radar, watches, warnings, and live coverage when storms require it.
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