As excessive heat and drought continue to plague the Front Range urban corridor, early mornings offer the only relief. Due to the elevation and dry air, overnight cooling produces a few hours that invite outdoor activity.
This morning, just before sunrise, I took a walk along the South Platte River. As low as I have ever seen it, the rock laden stream attracted a mix of waterfowl and waders in addition to a lone raccoon that foraged in the clear shallows. Songbirds were still rather quiet and inactive, represented by only a couple of chickadees and a northern yellow warbler.
But while the wildlife was limited, a steady, north, cool breeze offered hope that our weather might be finally changing. Indeed, the first taste of the annual Monsoon is expected over the next few days as afternoon highs dip back into the 80s F and scattered thunderstorms blossom along the Front Range. We are surely hoping that forecast is accurate.
