Colorado Springs is bracing for what forecasters say could be its most intense heat of the year. Today may mark the hottest day of the year so far for many in the region, with highs expected to reach the high 90s in Colorado Springs and triple digits in Pueblo.

For those hoping afternoon storms might offer early relief, conditions are unlikely to cooperate. Afternoon storms are expected to remain largely confined to the mountains, leaving the Colorado Springs metro to contend with the full force of the heat through the evening hours.

A modest cooldown is on the way, though residents will not escape the heat entirely. Temperatures are expected to drop several degrees tomorrow, with highs cooling to the low 90s in Colorado Springs and the high 90s in Pueblo. The shift will also bring a greater chance of precipitation closer to the city. The best chance for showers and thunderstorms across the Pikes Peak Region is expected to arrive after 6:00 p.m.

Looking further ahead, forecasters see little indication of a return to dry, settled conditions any time soon. A wetter weather pattern is expected to persist through most of the work week and into the weekend, with temperatures holding in the high 80s to low 90s in Colorado Springs and the mid to high 90s in Pueblo during that period.

Residents should monitor updated forecasts as the storm pattern develops and timing for individual storm cells becomes clearer through the week.