El Paso is waking up to clear skies and about 52°F at El Paso International this morning, Wednesday, April 15, with a high near 78°F on tap this afternoon. West-northwest breezes of 6 to 10 mph will move through town, with gusts up to about 18 mph late in the day. It is a quick calm between wind events, with stronger gusts still lined up for later in the week.
Afternoon Winds And What To Expect
Today serves as a relatively quiet break after several gusty days. Most neighborhoods should get plenty of sun and lighter winds through the afternoon. West-northwest gusts will still be noticeable on exposed stretches and over passes, but widespread dust is not expected. For background on the recent gusty pattern and the trouble spots for blowing dust, see how El Paso went on grit alert earlier this week, as per Hoodline.
Fire Weather Outlook
Very dry air is on the way, with afternoon relative humidity dropping into the teens and even single digits across many lowland areas on Thursday, April 16, and Friday, April 17. That kind of dryness can turn any spark into a fast-moving fire. Forecasters say fire weather conditions look elevated to critical Thursday into Friday, and they are considering a Red Flag watch for Friday as winds and dryness peak. For the official forecast and detailed discussion, check the National Weather Service El Paso.
Weekend Timing And Rain Chances
A dry frontal boundary is expected to arrive Saturday morning, April 18, bringing cooler northeast winds and lower afternoon highs for the weekend. Moisture returns Sunday, April 19, with a chance of light showers mostly east of the Rio Grande and a high near 69°F. The forecast currently carries about a 30% chance of precipitation. If you have outdoor plans, keep an eye on updates since the timing and coverage of any showers could still shift.
Plan And Safety
Use today’s calmer weather to get ready for the wind. Secure loose outdoor furniture and tarps, and hold off on any open burning while conditions stay this dry. If you are driving across desert stretches, be prepared to slow down and pull safely off the road if a dust plume suddenly cuts visibility. Anyone with respiratory issues should plan to limit outdoor exertion on Friday when winds and dryness peak.
