El Paso wakes up to a sunny, mild Monday with clear blue skies and a high of 68°F expected this afternoon. Light east winds will keep things calm for now, but a sharp warm-up is on deck later this week that will send lowland highs into the upper 70s and low 80s.
Afternoon And Tuesday
By Tuesday, the jump in temperatures will be noticeable, with a high of 78°F and south-southeast winds between 2 and 16 mph, accompanied by afternoon gusts that could reach the mid-20s. Expect it to feel noticeably breezier in exposed neighborhoods and along open desert corridors. Before the gusts arrive, it is a good idea to tie down loose patio furniture and anything else that might try to roll away, according to the National Weather Service.
Wednesday Near-Record Heat And Dust
Wednesday is when things really heat up, with a high near 83°F that will be flirting with near-record levels for late February. West winds of 9 to 21 mph, with gusts up to about 28 mph, will kick up patchy blowing dust between roughly 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., especially over playa and lowland areas. Drivers on desert highways could see brief drops in visibility, so plan on a slower commute if the air turns hazy. For more details on timing and impacts, check the forecast discussion from the National Weather Service.
Safety And Planning
Forecasters are flagging elevated fire weather concerns Tuesday and Wednesday as low humidity combines with gusty west winds, so avoid open burning and make sure outdoor debris is secured. If you have asthma or other respiratory issues, it is smart to limit outdoor activity during Wednesday's midday wind window, and if you are on a desert highway when dust moves in, slow down and give yourself extra space on the road.
