Official observations from the National Weather Service placed Denver’s maximum temperature on September 17 at 80–81°F, aligning precisely with pre-event model consensus and seasonal norms near 79°F. Mild southwesterly flow, limited daytime heating under partly cloudy skies, and the absence of strong downslope warming or clear, dry conditions kept readings from exceeding the narrow band. Historical data for the date show highs averaging 78–79°F with high variability, yet recent atmospheric patterns produced no anomalous heat. Traders assigned near-certain probability to this outcome because verified station data left little room for alternative thresholds. Only a major revision in official reporting or use of an atypical measurement site could realistically shift the result.