Below is the Precipitation Accumulation in South Platte graph from the NRCS for July 20, 2026. Precipitation is at 72% of the median (no change one week), and 60% of the water year median (up 1% one week), this morning. There are 72 days left in the water year.
There is a chance for thunderstorms today and Tuesday, and thunderstorms are likely Wednesday, with thunderstorms/showers likely Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, in the central mountains. There is a chance for thunderstorms today and Tuesday, showers are likely Wednesday and Thursday, with thunderstorms likely Friday, and showers and thunderstorms likely Saturday and Sunday, in the northern mountains. There is a slight chance for thunderstorms today, a chance for thunderstorms Tuesday and Wednesday, with thunderstorms/showers likely Thursday, and a chance for thunderstorms/showers Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, down here about 5 miles from 17th & Market St in Denver where Soapy Smith operated his illicit gambling and bunco business. From the Denver Center for the Performing Arts:
Denver has had its share of secret societies over the years trying to avoid police investigation, but none was more colorful than a gang of criminals known as “The Soap Gang.” It was led by a handsome, black-bearded scoundrel named Jefferson Randolph Smith. Or “Soapy Smith” as he came to be known. Soapy arrived in Denver in 1886 and started a love affair with the city that lasted 11 years. He was probably the most skilled and accomplished sleight of hand artist and swindler in the West…To operate a con game of this nature, Soapy needed confederates: bunco steers to bring in the marks; cappers, stooges, and shills to get the suckers buying, and strong-arm men in case someone caused trouble. So Soapy formed a secret gang. The Soap Gang was the greatest collection of billwrappers, con artists and thugs in the West. There was Fatty “Shoot-Your-Eyes-Out” Gray, a mean 300-pound bodyguard. “Troublesome Tom” Cady, who carried a sword cane. “Ice Box” Murphy, who got his name when he accidentally blew up what he thought was a safe only to be showered with cold cuts. The “Reverend” Bowers was a pious-looking man who mastered every “secret” handshake of every fraternal organization and would lead his new “friends” directly to Soapy for a plucking. Soapy’s gang became so powerful that no criminal could pull a job in Denver without his permission, and through bribes and extortion, he controlled the police and politicians. He based his operations out of the Tivoli Saloon and Gambling Hall on the corner of 17th and Market. Once when he was hauled into court for operating a crooked game, he spoke in his own defense. “At the Tivoli, I am running an educational institution that provides a cure for gambling. The man who steps into my place has, of course, no chance of winning a cent, because in my games the player cannot win. When he leaves, he is disappointed, naturally, but he has had an experience of the greatest value.” Case dismissed…David H. Waite was elected Governor of Colorado on a reform bill. In a rash move, and knowing the level of corruption that existed, he fired everyone at Denver City Hall and ordered them to leave the building, then located at 14th and Larimer. Insisting the governor had no authority to do that, the politicians refused. Governor Waite called on the state militia. City officials called on Soapy. Within hours, Soapy armed dozens of thugs and placed them in strategic windows, while he took a position in the tower of City Hall with dynamite bombs he intended to throw on any attackers. On March 15, 1894, 300 state troops gathered before the building and trained cannon and Gatling guns on it. The Denver Post reported that Soapy in the tower shouted down to the troops, “I’m closer to heaven than you are, but if you come any closer, you will get there first.” General Brooks, commanding the militia sent a hurried message to Governor Waite. “If a single shot is fired, they will kill me instantly and they will kill you in fifteen minutes. But if you say fire, we’ll fire.” Horrified citizens stormed the Capitol and Governor Waite backed down. “Colonel” Smith, as he now called himself, was the king of the underworld and ruler of Denver.
Here’s a look at the 7-Day Colorado precipitation map through July 19, 2026 from the High Plains Regional Climate Center. Precipitation in the South Platte Basin along the Continental Divide of the Americas ranged from 0.10” to 1.15”.
Here’s the 7-Day percent of normal precipitation map through July 19, 2026 from the High Plains Regional Climate Center. Precipitation in the South Platte River Basin along the Continental Divide of the Americas ranged from 25% to 150% of normal.
Below is the 7-day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast for the week of July 20, 2026. Precipitation is anticipated for the mountains of the South Platte River Basin and may total up to 1.00″.
Below are the 8-14 day outlooks from the Climate Prediction Center, issued July 19, 2026, for temperature and precipitation, for the week starting July 27, 2026. The CPC expects above normal temperatures and near normal precipitation for the mountains of the South Platte River Basin.
Below is the Colorado Drought Monitor map from June 14, 2026. There were one class degradations in Park and Douglas counties, in the South Platte River Basin. There were one class improvements in Arapahoe, Adams, Weld, Morgan, and Logan counties. Drought and abnormal dryness covers 97.14% of Colorado. The South Platte Basin is experiencing Abnormally Dry, Moderate, Severe, Extreme, and Exceptional drought conditions.
Below is the Colorado Drought Monitor one week change map ending July 14, 2026.
Here’s the US Drought Monitor Map from last week along with the one week U.S. change map.
Finally, last week the Climate Prediction Center released their Seasonal Outlooks through the end of the water year (October 31, 2026). They are expecting above normal temperatures, above normal precipitation, and drought removal/improvement in the South Platte River Basin.
Viva North American Monsoon!
