El Paso is waking up to clear skies and comfortable air on Wednesday, July 15, with temperatures hovering around 70°F at El Paso International Airport. Expect plenty of sunshine and a high near 93°F, but keep one eye on the sky later in the day: a few late-afternoon showers or thunderstorms could sneak in and briefly cut visibility or drop heavy rain, so it is smart to keep outdoor plans flexible.
Afternoon Thunderstorm Chances
According to the National Weather Service El Paso, there is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after about 3 p.m. local time, with roughly a 20% chance of precipitation and east winds around 3 to 6 mph. Any storms that manage to develop should be short-lived but could pack a quick punch with brief heavy downpours and lightning, mainly across lower elevations. If you are planning a hike, a park day, or a late-afternoon errand run, check the hour-by-hour forecast so you are not caught off guard.
Cooling Centers And Heat Safety
The City maintains summer cooling centers and heat-safety resources, and if temperatures climb later in the week, residents can head to public cooling sites during daytime hours, per the City of El Paso. The centers operate daily during the heat season, and local officials recommend staying hydrated and steering clear of strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest stretch of the afternoon.
Late-Week Flood Risk
Model guidance points to an uptick in moisture Friday into Saturday (Friday, July 17, through Saturday, July 18), which is expected to boost storm coverage and raise the odds of heavier, slower-moving storms capable of producing localized flash flooding. Forecasters flag Friday and Saturday as the window with the highest flood potential, especially over recent burn scars and in higher terrain, so keep an eye on watches and warnings from the National Weather Service. If you live in a low-lying area or near arroyos, have a plan to move to higher ground and avoid driving through standing water.
What To Expect Tonight
Tonight is expected to be partly cloudy with a low near 73°F and east-southeast winds between 8 and 13 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. Keep your phone charged for weather alerts, slow down if you run into heavy rain, and never attempt to cross flooded roadways: turn around, do not drown.
