Heavy rainfall from scattered thunderstorms is expected across the Southwest, Intermountain West, and Plains. Isolated dry thunderstorms may initiate additional fires across the west. The coastal Carolinas may experience flash floods in the coming days due to repeated thunderstorms. Additionally, a wave of intense summer heat will hit the Southern Plains and central Gulf Coast States this week. Read More >
Denver/Boulder, CO
Weather Forecast Office
The Denver Radiosonde (Weather Balloon) Will Miss Launches Until Further Notice
Due to worldwide shortages in the supply of Helium, the Denver Radiosonde will miss launches until further notice. Located south of I-70 just west of Havana, the Denver upper air balloon launch site has been providing twice daily vertical profiles of weather observations since 1956. Helium is the lifting gas used at the Denver upper air site, and with a limited local supply, there is not enough helium to continue launching balloons. If and when more helium is available, balloon launches will continue. Stay turned to our webpage for updates on the evolving situation.
Denver is one of 12 National Weather Service upper air balloon launch sites that relies on helium as the lifting gas. The vast majority of sites use hydrogen to lift the balloons. For more information on the helium shortage and impact to balloon launches across the U.S., please see the Public Information Statement from April 2022:
US Dept of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service
Denver/Boulder, CO
325 Broadway
Boulder, CO 80305-3328
303-494-3210 for a recording call 303-494-4221
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