Clear skies and bone-dry air greet El Paso this morning, with temperatures starting near 73°F and set to climb into the upper 80s this afternoon. West winds will crank up later today, and very low humidity will make it feel even drier, a combination that is already raising fire weather concerns for anyone thinking about outdoor work or burning.
Afternoon Winds Crank Up
West winds are expected at 6 to 14 mph with gusts up to 22 mph this afternoon, strongest in open desert stretches and on higher slopes. Those gusts could kick up some brief, localized dust and send unsecured patio furniture or trash cans rolling, so it is a good idea to tie down or move loose items before the afternoon peak.
Burn Ban And Fire Danger
Relative humidity will tumble into the single digits to low teens today, leaving vegetation tinder dry and supporting elevated fire danger. El Paso County remains under a burn ban, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service, so residents are urged to skip open burning and hold off on brush clearing until after the expected rain arrives.
Late-Week Showers And Thunderstorms
A Pacific system is on track to bring a chance of showers after noon on Thursday, followed by a period of showers and thunderstorms from late Thursday night into early Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Most spots are expected to see light rainfall totals under a tenth of an inch, but the late-night storms could still deliver brief heavy downpours, lightning, and gusty winds while a backdoor front swings through, shifting winds to the east and knocking temperatures down on Friday.
Weekend Outlook
Showers should taper on Saturday, with highs near 70°F and more comfortable humidity levels. Sunday looks partly sunny with highs near 78°F. Forecasters say that by Saturday, after the rainfall, local fuels should be noticeably less receptive to fire, although a drying trend and a return to mid 80s heat are expected by early next week.
What To Watch
Secure outdoor items ahead of the afternoon winds, avoid outdoor burning while the county burn ban remains in effect, and keep an eye on local alerts for updates on Thursday night thunderstorms. If you have outdoor plans Thursday evening or Friday morning, have a backup plan ready or be prepared to dodge brief heavy rain and lightning.
