El Paso woke up warm and parched on Thursday. By 5:35 a.m. MDT, El Paso International Airport (KELP) was already sitting at about 73°F with relative humidity in the low 20s. As the sun climbs, temperatures are expected to surge into the mid-90s, and west-to-southwest winds will strengthen, making it feel even hotter and setting the stage for elevated fire danger across exposed desert corridors.
Afternoon Winds And Red Flag Warning
Forecasters are calling for a high near 95°F this afternoon, with west winds starting around 6-20 mph, then increasing into the mid-teens and low-to-mid-20s by late day. Gusts could reach the upper 20s to mid-30s in exposed desert stretches and mountain passes, while humidity drops into the single digits to low teens over the lowlands. That combination has triggered a Red Flag Warning from noon to 8 p.m. MDT today for parts of southwest and south-central New Mexico, so officials urge residents to skip any open burning and stay alert for blowing dust and gusty crosswinds on area highways, according to the National Weather Service.
What To Expect And How To Stay Safe
If you can shuffle your schedule, outdoor work and yard burns are best postponed for later, calmer days. Before the breeze really kicks in, secure patio furniture, trash cans, and any lightweight materials that might turn into airborne projectiles. Drivers should be ready for sudden gusts and quick-hitting dust along open stretches of I-10 and desert approach roads, and anyone with respiratory issues should go easy on strenuous outdoor activity this afternoon. For more on the persistent warm, dry setup this week, check out the searing midweek heat that has been hanging over the region, as per Hoodline.
Weekend Outlook
The overall pattern sticks around into the weekend, with highs holding in the low 90s and more breezy afternoons expected Sunday and Monday as west-southwest winds periodically ramp up again. No measurable rain is on the short-term horizon, so vegetation will stay dry and ready to ignite. Keep an eye on updated watches and advisories as the week rolls into the weekend.
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