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Record-breaking heatwave adds to ‘compounding extremes’ of climate change in Colorado
By Ryan Spencer Follow
rspencer@steamboatpilot.com at Glenwood Springs Post Independent
· July 14, 2026
· 5 min read
Feeling hotter than usual? It’s not just your imagination.
Climate change is making summers in Colorado and the West hotter, fueling more intense heatwaves like the one this past weekend and exacerbating problems like extreme drought and water shortages, according to experts.
“It’s definite...
Key takeaway In Colorado, no summer in the past 17 years has been cooler than the 20th-century average, Goble said.
Why this matters in Aspen News
Aspen residents are all too familiar with the consequences of extreme weather patterns, and the recent record-breaking heatwave is no exception. With the Roaring Fork Valley already experiencing low water levels due to a poor snowpack, the intensified heat only exacerbates the issue, further straining the local water supply. The city's proximity to the White River National Forest also increases the risk of wildfires, which can be devastating to both the environment and local economy. As climate change continues to drive more frequent and intense heatwaves, Aspen's unique mountain environment makes it particularly vulnerable to these compounding extremes. The impact on local agriculture, recreation, and tourism industries could be significant, making it crucial for the city to develop strategies to mitigate and adapt to these changes, such as implementing water conservation measures and enhancing wildfire prevention efforts.
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: local ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: Glenwood Springs Post Independent ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Feeling hotter than usual? It’s not just your imagination.
Climate change is making summers in Colorado and the West hotter, fueling more intense heatwaves like the one this past weekend and exacerbating problems like extreme drought and water shortages, according to experts.
“It’s definite...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 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 local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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