Colorado Springs Weather Update: Dangerous Thunderstorms Could Disrupt Your Thursday Plans

Heads up, Colorado Springs — summer heat isn’t the only thing building this week. According to the latest Colorado Springs Weather Update, forecasters are watching a growing chance for afternoon thunderstorms on Thursday, with storm activity expected to ramp up by 2 p.m. and continue into the evening hours.

This isn’t your average sprinkle. The National Weather Service is tracking a 60% chance of storms that could bring lightning, bursts of heavy rain, gusty winds, and possibly small hail. And while these storms may be short-lived, they can hit hard — especially in higher elevations and open areas.

What This Means for You

Thursday’s setup is typical for early summer along the Front Range: warm, calm mornings giving way to fast-building storm clouds by mid-afternoon. The Colorado Springs Weather Update notes that temperatures will climb into the mid-80s before the storms arrive — the perfect conditions for thunderstorm development.

If you have outdoor plans, especially between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., it’s best to stay flexible. Hikers, cyclists, and anyone commuting home around that time should keep a close eye on the skies. Even brief storms can cause flash street flooding, dangerous lightning, and delays on I-25 and Highway 24.

Storm Timing and Impact Areas

• When to Watch: Storms most likely from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday

• Biggest Threats: Cloud-to-ground lightning, strong wind gusts, pockets of heavy rain, and possible hail

• Where to Be Cautious: Western foothills, downtown Colorado Springs, and open areas with little shelter

Stay Safe & Stay Ready

This kind of weather isn’t unusual for June in Colorado Springs, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it seriously. Lightning, even from miles away, can strike suddenly and without warning. If you hear thunder, it’s time to get indoors.

• Postpone hikes or sports until the evening passes

• Keep a rain jacket or poncho in your car or backpack

• Don’t risk driving through flooded streets — even shallow water can stall a car

• Stay updated with local weather apps or alerts from KOAA or KKTV

Friday brings another round of scattered storm potential, though slightly less intense than Thursday. Temperatures will stay warm — in the mid to upper 80s — through the weekend, and the chance of afternoon storms will stick around through Saturday.

This week is a reminder that summer in the Springs means staying weather-aware, even on seemingly calm mornings.

FAQ About Colorado Springs Weather Update

1. When should I expect the storms to roll in on Thursday?
You’ll probably start to notice things changing after 1 p.m. — clouds building, wind picking up a bit. That’s when storms could start popping up. The window for the strongest weather stretches into the early evening, so plan for things to get unsettled between 1 and 7 p.m..

2. Are these storms going to be serious, or just typical summer rain?
These aren’t expected to be full-on severe storms, but they could still get intense — brief heavy rain, gusty winds, loud thunder, and even some small hail. Definitely enough to disrupt outdoor plans or make driving tricky, even if it doesn’t last long.

3. Should I change my afternoon plans?
It’s a good idea to stay flexible. If you’ve got outdoor activities, hikes, or errands in the afternoon, keep an eye on the sky and the radar. Storms can come on fast around here, and it’s better to reschedule than get caught in a lightning storm.

4. Which parts of town are most likely to see the worst of it?
Places near the foothills, like west Colorado Springs, Monument, and Black Forest, tend to get hit first. But even downtown or the east side can see action. If you’re in an open area or up in elevation, be extra cautious.

5. What’s the best way to stay updated during the day?
The easiest way is to use a weather app that sends alerts — even just checking your phone once in a while helps. You can also tune into local news like KKTV or KOAA, or keep an eye on the National Weather Service site. Storms can move in fast, and a little heads-up goes a long way.