Happy hump day, Longmont! Rain hasn’t looked this good since the 2007 Super Bowl halftime show. Heavy thunderstorms landed in Longmont last night and early estimates show some areas received over a half inch of rain. But, unlike the 2007 Super Bowl halftime show, rain should continue for multiple days. National Weather Service forecasting shows monsoon-like moisture today and tomorrow, while there’s at least a chance of rain each day through Tuesday. Overly optimistic predictions show Longmont could collect 2 inches by the end of Thursday. Purple rain, purple rain…

Today — How blazing temperatures nearly caused blackouts, West Nile Virus is in Longmont, and local osprey chicks are taking flight.

Let’s dive in.

Like Robert De Niro, Platte River Power Authority took action when they felt heat around the corner. Although, it worked out better for PRPA.

As high temperatures scorched Longmont on Monday, Platte River Power Authority urged Longmont residents — as well as its customers in Estes Park, Fort Collins, and Loveland — to slash electricity use after an energy emergency alert was issued by Southwest Power Pool. SPP is the authority that governs and balances electric power transmission across several states in Colorado’s region, from North Dakota to parts of Texas.

PRPA said this was the result of…

PRPA asked that residents reduce the use of appliances including thermostats on air conditioners, dishwashers, clothes washers, and other electric devices through 9 p.m. Monday.

SPP is charged with ensuring there’s enough energy to meet electricity demand. When it determines there’s not enough supply to meet demand, a call for conservation is issued. Had conditions worsened further, rolling blackouts may have occurred.

In the end, that didn’t happen. Within less than two hours, SPP downgraded the alert as conditions stabilized, though it still recommended mild conservation. But, that’s now where the story ends.

Controversy brewing?

Many on social media responded to the situation by criticizing a perceived overreliance on wind and solar energy. In a statement sent to The Longmont Brief, PRPA said…

“We are acutely aware of the intermittency of wind and solar resources, which is why we’re also pursuing a dispatchable capacity solution that includes natural gas, batteries and a virtual power plant.

PRPA added…

Aeroderivative turbines are gas turbines derived from jet engine technology that are fast-starting, only run during peak demand or low renewable output, and are designed to support, not replace, renewable energy.

Big picture:

PRPA is currently constructing five turbines and says they will become an essential part of maintaining reliable service after the company retires its coal facilities in 2029.

1st and Main project seeks recommendation from Planning & Zoning Commission: Tonight, representatives from the 1st and Main Urban Renewal Plan will advocate for their project to P&Z commissioners, per state law. The plan spans over 29 acres and involves removing and redeveloping vacant and underutilized properties, while adding a transit center, college campus, retail & office space, and more. Commissioners have 30 days to provide their recommendation. But, even if they disapprove, just like the guy who sang Rude, the city can marry her anyway still move forward with the project. The plan will come before Longmont City Council August 25 and September 8 for first and second readings. Check out the P&Z meeting’s livestream here at 7 p.m.

Boulder County Commissioners to consider tax for childcare funding: Tomorrow afternoon, commissioners will decide whether to add to the November ballot a question asking voters to approve an increase to property taxes to address the shortage and high cost of childcare and preschool for Boulder County. The proposal would raise about $30 million, which would cost each homeowner roughly $10 per month. The hearing will begin at 1 p.m. and you can learn more on how you can participate before or during the meeting here.

All chicks from Longmont osprey nest have fledged: Boulder County Fairgrounds has been home to an osprey nest for over a decade. In late May, three osprey chicks hatched from their eggs and began a roughly-two-month journey towards their first flight. The first chick took off at 56 days old, the next, a day later, and the third chick, at 60 days. The chicks haven’t left for good, yet — they’ll stick around for a couple weeks to continue feeding before taking off for college the wild. Check out the nest’s livestream here.

The diarrhea parasite isn’t the only bug we need to worry about.

Boulder County Public Health announced yesterday it has confirmed a human case of West Nile Virus in a Longmont resident. The health agency believes the individual was likely exposed while at home. This is Boulder County’s first WNV case of 2026.

Good news and bad news:

The infected individual has since recovered. While the presence of WNV is never welcome news, BCPH says most people infected with the virus never see symptoms. But, if you’re one of the unlucky few, you may develop…

Most symptoms develop between 3-14 days after an infected mosquito bite.

Zooming out:

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health…

Despite the low mortality risk, WNV is still a hazard worth protecting yourself from. One person in Colorado died from WNV in 2025. Read about tips from BCPH on how to protect yourself here.