El Paso woke to clear skies Thursday, and temperatures are already climbing toward the triple digits, with forecasters calling for a high near 102°F on Thursday, July 9. Morning readings were mild, but afternoon heat will build quickly, and light southeast winds will keep humidity modest, so heat-index values could still push into the upper 90s in parts of the lowlands. If you have outdoor plans, it is smart to shift them to early morning or evening and bring plenty of water.
Afternoon Heat With A Small Chance Of Storms
Sunny conditions should dominate most of the day, though the National Weather Service El Paso notes a slight chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms this evening, mainly before 8 p.m. Most storms will favor the mountains or areas along and west of the Rio Grande, and any storm that manages to fire up could pack gusty winds, isolated lightning, and brief heavy rain. Overnight, expect a low around 79°F with southeast winds around 2 to 7 mph.
Weekend Outlook
The heat hangs on into Friday and Saturday with highs near 103°F and 102°F, respectively, before Gulf moisture starts pushing in on Sunday. Forecasters say thunderstorm chances increase Sunday night into early next week, which should trim daytime highs into the mid to upper 90s and bring east winds with gusts into the low 20s. It is the same stretch of persistent heat we covered earlier in the summer; see El Paso broils for background on the pattern, as per Hoodline.
Where To Cool Off
The City has activated cooling centers across town, and you can call 2-1-1 for locations and eligibility. Cooling sites include Galatzan Recreation Center and Marty Robbins Recreation Center, according to the City of El Paso, and some pools and libraries are also open for relief.
Keep an eye on hourly forecasts for any late-day storms and avoid outdoor work during peak heat. Check on older neighbors and pets during the hottest hours, and move to a cool place if you feel dizzy, faint, or unusually weak.
