Wednesday’s weather will be similar to Monday’s and Tuesday’s, but a big shift begins Thursday as high temperatures move 15-20 degrees cooler and enhanced chances of rain and thunderstorms persist ahead of the weekend.

Denver residents can expect a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m., Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Boulder.

It’ll be mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. South southwest winds to blow between 5 to 9 mph, becoming north northeast in the afternoon. 

“Scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms are expected again,” the NWS said. “Gusty outflow winds to 50 mph and brief heavy rain are likely with the stronger thunderstorms.”

The flash flood threat will be limited to flood prone areas per usual, where a quick half inch or more of rain could produce flash flooding or debris flows.

“Severe thunderstorms will be possible over the northeast plains, possibly bringing hail up to one inch in diameter and 60 mph wind gusts,” the NWS said.

Tonight, Denver will see a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. It’ll be mostly cloudy with a low around 61, and west northwest winds to blow between 7 to 9 mph, becoming east in the evening.

A big shift in high temperatures comes Thursday as a cold front pushes cooler air southward from Canada and the dome of high pressure shifts westward toward California.

Highs will be 15-20 degrees cooler both Thursday and Friday with rain showers and thunderstorms more widespread throughout metro Denver and the state.

Here is the 4-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Thursday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between noon and 3 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms likely after 3 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. East wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between noon and 3 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms likely after 3 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming east northeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday: A 40& chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 82.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 87.