Hotter weather, thunderstorms expected through mid-week

Today will be a good day to seek higher ground — say, above 14,000 feet — as forecasters expect another scorcher in Colorado Springs.

The National Weather Service predicts a high of 88 degrees, with sunny skies. But it’s still the August monsoon season, so expect afternoon thunderstorms to form west of Interstate 25. Anyone going up Pikes Peak for the race today should take extra caution, since there’s little protection from lightning above treeline.

Forecasters say tomorrow could be even hotter, with a high of 91. The weather service says conditions will remain warmer than normal through the middle of next week, with, of course, chances for afternoon storms.

RACE JAM

If you aren’t running the Pikes Peak Ascent or Marathon, or going to cheer on someone who is, you may want to avoid Manitou Springs this weekend.

The first wave of runners begins at 7 a.m., and the second at 7:30. Expect street closures and traffic tie-ups through the morning, and later as busses bring the runners back into town.

It’ll be the same situation Sunday for the Pikes Peak Marathon, which begins at 7 a.m. and runs through 5 p.m.

BAR SHUT DOWN

A bar in southeast Colorado Springs was ordered closed by the city’s liquor and beer licensing board Friday.

EJ’s Happy Hour, 1677 Jet Wing Drive, had its liquor license revoked, according to Colorado Springs police. Police said there was a high number of calls to the bar and liquor law violations, prompting the city attorney’s office to revoke the license at a hearing Friday.

Police said the bar has until 7:30 p.m. today to shut down.

YOU'RE WELCOME

The first “Everybody Welcome” festival to celebrate cultural diversity is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today around Acacia Park in downtown Colorado Springs.

The event is free and features live entertainment, information and craft booths, cooking demonstrations and children’s activities. It’s sponsored by the Colorado Springs Diversity Forum.

Events will be held in venues downtown including the City Auditorium, 221 E. Kiowa St., and Acacia Park. A parade of costumes begins at 10 a.m. on Bijou Street, between Nevada Avenue and Weber Street. Opening ceremonies are at 10 a.m. at City Hall. All events are free.

DOG FEST

Bring your dogs to a public romp.

Romp in the Park, a day of fun for people and their dogs, runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at Bear Creek Park Soccer Field, 21st & W. Rio Grande Streets, next to the dog park.

There will be dog-themed games and contests, agility and obedience demos, rescue organizations, kids' activities and vendor booths. Proceeds Benefit All Breed Rescue & Training.

FOREST GATHERING

Voters in Black Forest may have shot down this year’s effort to incorporate as a city, but there’s plenty about living in the area to celebrate.

The Black Forest Festival runs from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Black Forest and Shoup roads. There will be a parade, pancake breakfast, flea market, kids’ games, a silent auction and more.

MORE SPORTS

The Colorado Springs Sky Sox host Las Vegas at 7 p.m. on 1460 AM. The Denver Broncos have an exhibition game at Dallas at 6 on CBS (740/850 AM). The Colorado Rockies are at the Dodgers at 8 on FSN (630 AM).

The Busch Carfax 250 has qualifying at 9 a.m. on the Speed channel and the race at 1:30 on ESPN2. The PGA's Wyndham Championship is at 11 on CBS and The Tradition senior event is at 2 on NBC. The Cardinals are at the Cubs at 1:30 on Fox and the White Sox are at the Mariners at 8 on WGN. In tennis, the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters is at 11 a.m. on ESPN2 and the Rogers Cup is on ESPN2 at 8. The Dew Tour extreme sports event is on NBC at noon. The Little League World Series is on ESPN at 9 and 11 a.m. and 4 and 6 p.m. and on ABC at 1. The Cal Ripken World Series final is at 3 on Versus.

In a women's soccer exhibition, Colorado College is at Air Force at 5 p.m.