safety
Colorado’s mountain summers are getting warmer, exacerbating drought and wildfire risk
By Ryan Spencer Follow
rspencer@steamboatpilot.com at Glenwood Springs Post Independent
· June 20, 2026
· 5 min read
Summer is off to a hot start in the Colorado mountains as soaring temperatures, a lack of precipitation and wind are worsening already severe drought conditions and exacerbating wildfire concerns.
Across most of the mountain region, June has featured near-record temperatures and little — if an...
Key takeaway One weather station in Dillon with 130 years of temperature data recorded the second-hottest first half of June ever, and just 1/100th of an inch of rain so far this month.
Why this matters in Aspen News
Aspen 's own drought concerns are deeply intertwined with the regional trend, given its location in Pitkin County, one of the areas experiencing exceptional drought. The city's water supply, reliant on snowmelt and precipitation, is particularly vulnerable to the prolonged dry spell. With the Roaring Fork River running through the city, low water levels and increased water temperatures can have devastating effects on local ecosystems and aquatic life. The drought also exacerbates wildfire risk in the surrounding Elk Mountains, posing a significant threat to the city's residents, visitors, and infrastructure. As the summer wears on, Aspen's residents and visitors can expect heightened fire restrictions and potentially severe water conservation measures to mitigate the effects of the drought. The city's emergency management team will likely be on high alert, monitoring the situation closely and preparing for potential wildfires and flooding events that can occur when the monsoon season finally arrives.
About this story
Original reporting by Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 20, 2026 ·
Source: Glenwood Springs Post Independent ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Summer is off to a hot start in the Colorado mountains as soaring temperatures, a lack of precipitation and wind are worsening already severe drought conditions and exacerbating wildfire concerns.
Across most of the mountain region, June has featured near-record temperatures and little — if an...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 20, 2026 by Glenwood Springs Post Independent and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ryan Spencer Follow
rspencer@steamboatpilot.com at Glenwood Springs Post Independent. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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