El Paso is trading its mild afternoon for a noisy night. It was mostly cloudy and warm at El Paso International Airport this afternoon, around 72°F, with west winds already starting to gust. Rain chances climb later Thursday, with the forecast zeroing in on heavy showers and scattered thunderstorms overnight that could throw a wrench into the evening commute.
Storms Tonight Into Friday Morning
A slow-moving upper low teaming up with a plume of subtropical moisture is set to fire off widespread showers and thunderstorms from Thursday evening, April 30, through Friday morning, May 1. Some storms could drop heavy rain in short bursts, with new rainfall amounts of roughly three-quarters to 1 inch possible in favored spots, according to the National Weather Service.
Afternoon Winds And Travel Impacts
West winds of 6 to 13 mph this afternoon will occasionally gust into the 20 to 25 mph range, and Friday will stay on the breezy side as winds turn northerly. Overnight, heavy but brief downpours may quickly cut visibility and leave standing water on low-lying streets. Drivers are urged to avoid flooded underpasses and give themselves extra time to get around.
Where Rain Will Be Heaviest
The bullseye for the heaviest totals is expected east of the Rio Grande and across southeast New Mexico, but the entire El Paso metro is in line for measurable rain Thursday night into Friday morning. Localized ponding and urban flooding are the main near-term concerns, so property owners with shallow drainage are encouraged to bring in loose items and give gutters and downspouts a quick check this evening.
Weekend Outlook
Behind the departing system, a cool easterly breeze settles in on Friday, setting up a cooler day Saturday with highs near 67°F and mostly sunny skies returning for the weekend. Early next week, drier and warmer conditions move back in, with highs rebounding to around 80 to 82°F on Monday and Tuesday.
Stay Informed
For updated forecasts and local preparedness tips as the storms roll through, keep an eye on the National Weather Service and the El Paso Office of Emergency Management.
