El Paso woke up to clear skies and a warm start on Thursday, July 23, with temperatures already near 79°F, and that is about as cool as it is going to feel for a while. Forecasters say highs will push into the low 100s this afternoon, with little relief after sunset as overnight temperatures stay stubbornly warm. Residents should be ready for hot afternoons and limited nighttime cooling straight through the weekend.
A high near 101°F is on tap for Thursday, with heat-index values creeping into the upper 90s and only light southeast winds expected this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Rain chances across the lowlands are minimal, so most neighborhoods will stay dry and baking. Forecasters say building high pressure will keep temperatures elevated into next week.
Weekend Outlook
Friday, July 24 is shaping up to be the peak of the heat, with a forecast high near 104°F and heat-index values near 100°F. After that, daytime highs are expected to hover in the low 100s into early next week. The monsoon pattern will nudge up storm chances in the mountains Saturday and Sunday, but lowland rain and storm odds remain small. Overnight lows in the upper 70s to low 80s will make it tough to cool off, particularly for anyone without air conditioning.
Cooling Options And Safety
The City of El Paso has activated cooling centers and is urging residents to use air-conditioned recreation centers and public libraries, stay hydrated, and check in on vulnerable neighbors, according to the City of El Paso. For a full list of locations, hours, and fan-assistance programs, residents can call 2-1-1; emergencies should go to 9-1-1. Officials also remind people to bring water, avoid heavy outdoor work during peak heat, and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
