El Paso woke up cool and clear on Thursday, March 12, but the warm-up was fast and fierce across the Borderland. The El Paso airport (KELP) started the morning near 48°F under clear skies, with afternoon highs headed for the mid-70s.
Quick Warm-Up This Week
That mild afternoon is just the warm-up act. Temperatures climb quickly through the weekend, with highs near 74°F today, about 84°F on Friday, and into the mid-80s Saturday and Sunday, followed by a possible push into the 90s by the middle of next week. No measurable rain is expected during this stretch, so most outdoor plans should stay dry. According to the National Weather Service El Paso, those numbers put the lowlands within striking distance of record levels for this time of year.
Weekend Wind And Fire Concerns
Winds stay generally light today and Friday, then turn westerly and breezy Saturday with gusts into the mid 20s, becoming gustier Sunday ahead of a late week cold front. Humidity is expected to drop into the single digits to teens over the weekend, roughly 5-15 percent, which means a small spark could spread quickly through dry grasses and brush. Forecasters say fire weather could reach near critical levels in the driest areas, especially in nearby southwestern New Mexico.
Legal Implications
El Paso County still bans outdoor burning in unincorporated areas under an order adopted February 2, 2026, and that prohibition remains in effect through the spring. Violating the county order is a Class C misdemeanor and can bring fines of up to $500, according to the El Paso County burn-ban order.
What Residents Should Do
Residents are urged to skip open burns and hold off on debris or yard-pile burning until conditions improve. Secure grills and propane appliances, use them carefully and never leave them unattended. Keep a water source and basic tools handy when working around dry vegetation, clear dead grass from under parked vehicles and give firefighters plenty of space to operate if you come across smoke or active crews.
We published a March 10 dispatch on Tuesday's rain and gusts, and this update builds on that story with the fast warm-up and the county's burn order, pointing back to Tuesday's commute soaking storms, as per Hoodline.
