DENVER – The sweltering heat is breaking records in Denver. Tuesday’s high temperature reached 99 degrees, breaking the old record of 97 degrees set in 2007.

The heat is even more intense on the Western Slope as triple-digit temperatures scorch areas near Grand Junction.

The record-breaking temperatures are occurring on the official start of summer. The summer solstice means the sun's angle is the highest of the year. Be sure to wear plenty of sun screen as the UV index will be in the extreme category.

Owner of MC-Air heating and Cooling Company, Michael Corboy, says summer is his busiest time of the year. Corboy says more A/C units break during this time of year.

“Air-conditioning fails when it is hot, because there is hot heat load on the equipment,” said Corboy.

Corboy says preventive maintenance throughout the year can insure longer durability.

“Having a qualified individual come and check either the furnace in the fall or the air conditioning in the spring. it’s much easier to correct something before it tears itself up,” said Corboy.

Wednesday will be just as warm, but there will again be a slight chance for some late day storms over the mountains and foothills.

A cold front is set to roll through Colorado late Thursday with scattered thunderstorms and slightly cooler temperatures.