National Weather Service guidance and leading forecast models such as GFS and ECMWF currently point to a daytime high near 76–78°F in Denver on May 16, anchoring the 76–77°F outcome as the market favorite. A strengthening upper-level ridge over the central Rockies is driving subsidence, clear skies, and efficient surface heating from overnight lows near 55°F, while dry soils amplify warming above the mid-May climatological normal of 73°F. Light south-southeast winds and minimal cloud cover favor peak readings in the late afternoon, though an approaching weak shortwave trough adds modest uncertainty that could cap temperatures in the mid-70s. Traders are closely watching the next model updates and real-time observations ahead of evening resolution.