El Paso woke up to a classic desert morning on Sunday, May 3: mostly clear skies, cool air, and the kind of calm that never quite survives the afternoon. As of 5:35 AM MDT at El Paso International, conditions were mostly clear with temperatures in the mid 50s, and the city is on track to warm quickly into the low 80s by this afternoon.
Today and Tonight
Sunday stays pretty friendly weather-wise. Expect partly sunny skies with a high near 81°F and light southeast winds of 5 to 8 mph. It will feel seasonable and manageable before the breeze kicks up in the days ahead.
Tonight, clouds build in and a slight chance of showers creeps in after midnight, with a low near 63°F. Any rain that does form should be scattered and brief. For the full forecast and hour-by-hour details, check the National Weather Service.
Breezy Monday Into Tuesday
Monday, May 4, is when the wind starts to make itself known. West to southwest winds strengthen through the day, turning breezy in the afternoon. By Tuesday, May 5, those breezes turn into more persistent gusts.
Forecast guidance keeps sustained winds roughly 10 to 20 mph, with gusts commonly in the mid 20s to low 30s. Exposed mountain passes and open desert stretches could see gusts closer to 40 mph. That is enough to kick up dust, wobble cyclists, and make high-profile driving a little more nerve-racking than usual.
Where Rain Could Fall
The best chance for any showers comes Tuesday, May 5, mainly over western New Mexico and the mountains west of the Rio Grande. Rainfall totals look light and spotty, so most valley spots stay on the dry side.
Showers taper off Tuesday night as a drier pattern returns. Through the back half of the week, temperatures climb back into the upper 70s and low 80s, keeping things warm but not scorching.
What To Know For Your Plans
If you have loose patio furniture, trash bins, or backyard gear, this is the time to lock it down before winds ramp up on Monday. For drivers, especially those in trucks, vans, or RVs, plan for some pushy crosswinds and give yourself extra time for commutes during the gustier afternoons.
Flights and most daylight plans look fine today, but travelers on Tuesday should keep an eye on the forecast in case gusts and brief downpours complicate things. For some recent perspective on how quickly dust can turn a sunny day gritty, see Hoodline's coverage of when dusty desert winds roar in.
