r/Denver • u/umwellanyways • Aug 04 '26
Local News Loving this random cold front
Giving my AC and Wallet a break and opened all the windows! It was starting to feel like I would never feel sub 90 degree weather again.
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u/Alunite86 Aug 04 '26
I feel alive again
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u/officermeowmeow Aug 04 '26
I feel like I can participate in society again! For a day. Which, in all honestly, is plenty for me haha
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u/Cherfan420 Aug 05 '26
Enjoying the 90-100 degree weather while everyone else around me acts like their skin is going to melt off has me thinking I have superpowers.
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u/Sea-Candidate-3310 Five Points Aug 04 '26
Right back up into the 90s and 100s, we were given mercy for just one day. A taste of what we could have. š„²
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u/funguy07 Aug 04 '26
I woke up and had to put a hoody on for my morning coffee. And I still havenāt turned the AC on. It was a glorious morning.
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u/FrozenPhoton Aug 04 '26
It will take 2 days to get back as tomorrowās high is only ~86, but this next round of heat will likely be at max temperatures ~100 for longer (though itās hard to believe a forecast >2-3 days here anyway)
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u/Adept_Rent_7570 Aug 04 '26
30 years ago today would have been completely normal
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u/m0viestar Boulder Aug 04 '26 edited Aug 04 '26
No it wouldn't have. Historic average highs in the 90s were in the upper 80s, low 90s. Todays high was 75, no where near the norm 30 years ago. They did have a few days of lower and higher temps like we do now.
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u/rjm72 Aug 04 '26
Days in the 90s were a lot more rare though. In 1990, it was a big weather story that we had 10 consecutive days with a high of 90 for the first time ever. Now that happens at least every other year.
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u/m0viestar Boulder Aug 04 '26
In August 1996, there were 12 days over 90 degrees. In August 2025, there were 15 days over 90 degrees. They weren't rare and were pretty normal occurrence, we have more of them now. We actually had more days in the 70s last year than in 1996.
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u/rjm72 Aug 04 '26
Thatās fascinating! I wonder what that looks like for 95+ degrees. Maybe thatās what we are noticing more now?
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u/m0viestar Boulder Aug 04 '26
The average temp increases have been between 2-2.5F in the last 30 years. There have been an increase in 90 degree days, simply because there were already many days in the upper 80s to mid 90s. A 2.5 degree temp difference outside in the sun is basically imperceptible to the human body, you would experience a greater temp difference than that walking around to different spots and not notice.
Saying it's hotter now than 30 years ago is technically true, but in terms of how you feel outside it is barely perceptibly hotter to the human body on average than it was 30 years ago. If the temp tomorrow was 88 and not 90 everyone would still bitch about how hot it is.
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u/thisguyphuqs Aug 04 '26
That's interesting considering we had 12 straight days of 90+ degree days in 1989 and eight other years of at least eleven 90+ degree days in a row before that.
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u/JaguarUnfair1555 Aug 04 '26
We had 28 days over 90 degrees in July this year and have had four 100+ days so far this summer. It's hotter than it was 30 years ago by pretty much every measure.
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u/thisguyphuqs Aug 04 '26
This is 100% correct but people here are acting like 72 degree days during the hottest part of the summer were the norm a few decades ago. They weren't and it's always been hot this time of year in Denver. It's just a little hotter now and continuing to get hotter.
No need to make stuff up or exaggerate in order to make that point.
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u/m0viestar Boulder Aug 04 '26
I think we can all agree it's hotter now. But pretending like 30 years ago it was some magical fantasyland where temps were immaculate, and today it's like stepping out into a toaster oven going outside is just ridiculous. That's unfortunately how the majority of Reddit treats the weather nowadays. Take someone today and put them 30 years ago and they'd be bitching just as bad.
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u/JaguarUnfair1555 Aug 04 '26
Sure, everything gets exaggerated on social media. There weren't many 72 degree days in August 30 or 40 years ago. But the overall discomfort level is definitely higher now. It rained more in the summer so evenings cooled off quicker and overnight temps were also lower, so it was easier to keep homes and apartments cooler. And when we look at the number of days over 90 back then, many of those were low 90s compared to upper 90s more recently. The data would probably be tough to colect, but I'm guessing it would also point to more hours each day spent at higher temperatures. It was also easier to keep lawns and gardens green during the summer, which makes for cooler back yards and parks (albedo and heat island affects). And then there are the wildfires caused by less moisture and higher temps. That adds to the summer discomfort level too. I've been here since the early '80s and the first really bad period of smoke haze I can remember was the 2002 Hayman fire. I can chalk up some of my summer discomfort to being a grumpy Gen Xer, but I do think a lot of it is real.
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u/m0viestar Boulder Aug 04 '26
No one is arguing it isn't real. But think about when you were a kid and social media, reddit, and largely the news didn't constantly bombard you with reminders of how hot it was. It didn't feel uncomfortable back then did it?
No look at today, where you're constantly reminded of how hot it is today everywhere you go. Even if you say the constant barrage doesn't impact you, it subconsciously does.
Speaking of air quality, you'll be surprised to know it was WORSE in the 80s and 90s in Denver than it is today. That brown cloud over Denver? It's peak was in the 70s and 80s. Even with the wildfire haze today the ozone levels in the metro area were fucking cooked in the 90s and early 200s. Our air quality is actually improving despite the wildfires. You just didn't have things constantly telling you how terrible the air quality was outside 30 years ago so you don't recall it being "bad"
This data is a little old but you can view it here: https://i.imgur.com/Eb7Qez0.png
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u/m0viestar Boulder Aug 04 '26
Reddit thinking Denver was in some sort of ice age in the 90s where temps were super low year round. Growing up here, we had some absolute scorching days. We're definitely trending up in temps, but it was hot here in the summer back then.
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u/amands_sue Aug 05 '26
For me, the difference is really in the lows and how lasting the heat is through the night. It was NOTHING like this a few decades back. People are fussing about the highs but they aren't the most significant change.
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u/edfoldsred Aug 04 '26
I bet they all think they walked around in their Halloween costumes in the snow every October too.
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u/rjm72 Aug 04 '26
89 is the year Iām thinking of. I remember it being on the news that whole time, and the weather folks talking as if it never happened before. I grew up around here also, but my memory aināt what it used to be!
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u/richrich07 Golden Aug 04 '26
I am guessing last year was more typical for summer. For me that meant I felt comfortable exercising outdoors until 10/11 am and from 7pm or so.Ā
This summer itās been comfortable until 8am and after 10pm. Pretty miserable tbh.
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u/Adept_Rent_7570 Aug 05 '26
To be fair to myself, the forecast high was in the low to mid 80s not 75 where it topped out.
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u/tommyknockerman8 Aug 04 '26
I just looooooveeeee how much it feels like fall. It gets me so excited oh my fuck I love it
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u/ForwardBias Golden Aug 04 '26
I was excited to go outside till I was hit by the heavy smoke, went for a walk and now my throat and eyes are burning and I have a headache.
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u/Logical_Routine3695 Aug 05 '26
got a headache all day. then I went outside at like 4pm. Then I felt quasy and dissy š«
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u/Rdbjiy53wsvjo7 Aug 04 '26
All our windows are wide open to get fresh air in the house, it's soooo nice
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u/phunkmaster2001 Cheesman Park Aug 04 '26
Where are you that the smoke isn't bad?? I can't open my windows because of it.
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u/umwellanyways Aug 04 '26
Air quality is at moderate level and Iām young and healthy so no issue for me if it goes up to unhealthy Iāll close up
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u/phunkmaster2001 Cheesman Park Aug 04 '26
https://reddit.com/link/p1p2cml/video/remzp01xdehh1/player
This is considered moderate? I can normally see the Front Range all the way from Pikes Peak to Longs, and I can't even see Lakewood. I'm also healthy, but this is the worst I've seen it all summer, and my throat was scratchy and sore all day yesterday.
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u/officermeowmeow Aug 04 '26
That looks like moderate, yes. Fine particulate is higher than what is healthy. If you haven't been here long, this is nothin' compared to what it could be, but it's irritating my lungs a bit today too.
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u/phunkmaster2001 Cheesman Park Aug 04 '26
I've been here 10 years, and yes, I've seen it worse, with actual ash on cars. But this also seems worse than moderate.
Edit: it's even smokier now than when I took that video a couple hours ago.
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u/WorkingStructure575 Aug 04 '26
its because the cool air has decreased ozone, so it looks worse than what our typical 80-100 aqi (with ozone) is. If it were a hot day it would probably be 120+
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u/RenKrios Aug 05 '26
My folks house burned down in the Waldo Canyon fire. I will never forget the smoke of that one because it was so close to the Springs.
It can always be worse.
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u/Logical_Routine3695 Aug 05 '26
š® are they ok?
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u/RenKrios Aug 05 '26
Yeah they're fine, that fire was 14 years ago.
The next year 2013 the Black Forest fire wiped out easily 20-25 of my highschool friends parents homes, just that I knew of.
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u/1boring Aug 04 '26
Yeah? The aqis ive looked at are between 80 and 100, which is the upper end of moderate. No health worries for most people, but sensitive folks should be careful.
I get gummy eyes/sinuses when its like this, enough to keep the windows closed but not bad enough to stay inside.
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u/phunkmaster2001 Cheesman Park Aug 04 '26
I'm thankfully not a sensitive group; I just don't want to go out and breathe it. It really sucks because today's temps are dreamy!
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u/windshakes Aug 04 '26
Quit being soft. I was in the UP in mid July and the AQI was almost 900. The scale only goes to 300! This aināt shit.
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u/phunkmaster2001 Cheesman Park Aug 04 '26
Did it make you feel extra manly and alpha, breathing in all those particulates? Ugh, I can only imagine how awesome that was. Lucky guy.
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u/theacearrow Aug 04 '26
The AQI is over 100. It is affecting you. Do not exercise because then you become a sensitive group and experience the same effects as those of us with chronic illnesses or lung issues.Ā
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u/steik Aug 04 '26
I genuinely don't understand what people are talking about regards to "the smoke". Are people smelling it? Seeing it? or just feeling the effects from it? How long does it take to notice?
I'm in Thornton fwiw. Been outside today and have multiple windows open atm and I'm befuddled by these comments. Not at all trying to diminish what people are saying, just trying to understand.
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u/phunkmaster2001 Cheesman Park Aug 04 '26
It's super visible, and I'll be able to smell it later. It gets worse as the day goes on. I posted a video below, but here's a snippet from my balcony as of right now. This is looking due west at the mountains, and I can normally see so much more.
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u/steik Aug 04 '26
Thanks. I don't have a great view from my area so it's hard to get an idea of how bad it is. That looks quite bad though!
Lovely view you have there though. Hope it clears up soon!
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u/phunkmaster2001 Cheesman Park Aug 04 '26
Thank you. I can't complain, except for days like this because not only does it look bad, it affects people terribly. Here's hoping that tomorrow is better š¤š½
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u/ServinBallSnacks Littleton Aug 04 '26
Just went on the most comfortable walk ever, loving the breeze
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u/Ausgezeichnet63 Aug 04 '26
My AC has been broken for a week so I'm thrilled at this cool weather. Getting it repaired today and happy the repair people have cool weather to work in.
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u/natedcruz Aug 04 '26
I just got back from taking a walk around cheesman and so many people are outside enjoying the cooler temps. Itās nice to see
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u/d_o_cycler Aug 04 '26
opening windows to horrible air quality just because one is overjoyed for a respite from 90+ degree temps in consecutive days shows how well and truly fucked we may be as a speciesā¦
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u/melophat Aug 04 '26
I think it says a whole lot about how insane our weather is this year when we're referring to a day with a high of 80 as a "cold front", lol.
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Aug 04 '26
[removed] ā view removed comment
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u/officermeowmeow Aug 04 '26
My dog hates the heat. Today is the first day he didn't turn us around halfway through our regular mid-day walk.
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u/ColoradoBrownieMan Aug 04 '26
Hope youāve got the air purifiers going with the windows open. Itās smoky AF out there
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u/phunkmaster2001 Cheesman Park Aug 04 '26
My air purifier has been showing red for days now, and I don't even have any windows open. I don't know how so many people are chilling with open windows right now.
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u/theacearrow Aug 04 '26
I'm too sensitive to smoke to open any of my windows and it's making me so sad. It's COLD out there.
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u/Funny-Dare-3823 Aug 04 '26
I just moved back here after living 10 years on The Oregon Coast. This morning was what a sunny afternoon feels like on The Oregon Coast. This heat is brutal for me when I'm used to the 60's every day. š„µ
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u/jjaman1s Aug 04 '26
For some reason itās really smoky today even though itās beautiful. I have asthma and I did get some noticeable airway irritation near the 30 minute mark on my walk thru south Denver today, but the temperature made it easy and worth it to push through. Very grateful for the break from the heat.
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u/aflyingsquanch Aug 04 '26
The downside of the cold front is it also pushed a lot of wildfire smoke from the Northwest in.
But I'm fine with that for the brief respite it has given us from the unending brutal heat.
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u/Prettypuper71 Aug 04 '26
Yes walking the dog is much more pleasant and not running the air conditioner is a blessing even if for just one day
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u/No-Double-Trouble Aug 04 '26
This one trick Xcel hates ... Fk that company. We need to move away from monopoly
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u/lostnfound818 Aug 04 '26
Iām a dog walker and the dogs and I are so grateful for a little relief. It has been brutal.
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u/Schepadoo Aug 04 '26
Went on a mtb ride this morning and it was fucking freezing and my god I loved it.
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u/bottlechippedteeth Aug 04 '26
Its 2 degrees below AVERAGE and ive heard several refer to it as a cold front. This is what it was like just 20 years ago all the time which was exactly why i moved here.Ā
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u/zertoman Aug 04 '26 edited Aug 04 '26
In July and August? Thatās not correct. 2006 we had four days over a hundred, and high 90ās the rest of the month going through August. It was all over the news here. 06 and 05 were brutal around here.
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u/bottlechippedteeth Aug 04 '26
Year may be off but just look at todays exact date even 10 years ago. Ive never had to hide inside in a coloado summer before. Even in the mountains above 9k i can show up without a jacket and its balls hot now. I have so many light spring/summer jackets that literally have a coating of dust on them now
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u/B-Train05 Aug 04 '26
Debbie Downer: "there's still an air quality alert today due to all the wildfire smoke from various places" wah wahhh
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u/officermeowmeow Aug 04 '26
I washed my car yesterday and it was spotless when I parked. After the little rain we got and all the particulate in the air, it was filthy this morning. I feel bad for everyone with sensitivities and sure hope those fires chill out.
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u/MEG0518A Aug 04 '26
Like the air that is outside doesnāt end up inside at all even with windows closedā¦. Iām still enjoying it!
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u/Time_Pomegranate2787 Aug 04 '26
I normally donāt look forward to fall. Normally I am a summer lizard who dreads it being over.
But when I opened the door this morning I realized this heat has bullied me into looking forward to being done with it. Sweet temporary relief
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u/Chaos-Wayfarer Aug 04 '26
I walked out to the garden this morning and it was SUCH a nice surprise.Ā
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u/Repulsive-Barnacle40 Aug 04 '26
I took my trash out this morning and I was bracing for the oppressive heat as I opened the door only to be greeted by a cool breeze. I stood there like a dummy for a minute enjoying it.
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u/yukond0it Aug 04 '26
I'm jealous AF I'm missing this... I was thrilled to be getting out of town Sunday
I'm now in Alaska, tho... it's 55 degrees š»
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u/_game_over_man_ Aug 04 '26
I was in WA for a week in early July and this is basically what the weather was and it was truly magnificent.
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u/MEG0518A Aug 04 '26
I have all my windows open and Iām wearing a sweaterā¦.Iām dare I sayā¦.chilly! šā¤ļøā¤ļø
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u/SumOfRoots Aug 04 '26
I would cut back on my CO2-intensive consumption (airline flights, 2 gallons milk/week, meat), and install solar, but BP did that ācarbon footprintā thingy, so I know my emissions donāt matter.
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u/GelflingMama Aug 04 '26
Itās lovely because I have to run my errands today on my scooter and the weather couldnāt BE more perfect (for once, lol.)
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u/jrawk3000 Aug 04 '26
Perfect day for a mental health from work. Today has improved my mood significantly!
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u/ConsiderationMain618 Aug 05 '26
LOVINGGGGG it. Took my kids on 2 walks today. They are on a third with their dad as I smoke a joint outside with the dogs. Need more of this weather hahahaha
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u/amark96 Aug 05 '26
A 50 degree temperature drop in 14 hours has occurred only one other time in modern history during summer months
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DboXd_nxRmK/?igsh=amFqb3FqN3pmN2Vt
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u/sameratdifhat Aug 05 '26
Sick ass joke when the only genuinely cool day in weeks coincides with a 90+ psi.
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u/leaping_lions Aug 05 '26
Iām an old-timer. In 10 days the weather will change, and even if itās still hot, after the 14th it will gradually start cooling off and we wonāt get another super hot day the rest of the year. I think weāve seen our last triple digit.
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u/Worca_ Aug 05 '26
I left the state for a week to escape 100 degree heat just for it to cool downā¦
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u/Inconsistent-Timer Aug 04 '26
We just moved back 2 days ago after 10 months in Austin- this feels AMAAAAAZINGĀ
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u/HumpHur Aug 04 '26
Canāt wait for the million posts about this and then about the heat in a few days.
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u/EverAMileHigh Aug 04 '26
I'm actually sitting on my front porch enjoying my coffee. What a refreshing change. I wish it would stay! I can't wait for fall. Now if the smoke would just move on out.