El Paso starts Sunday, August 16, near 73°F with mostly clear skies, but the calm morning will give way to a hotter and stormier afternoon. Temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 90s before showers and thunderstorms become possible after 1 p.m.
The National Weather Service’s El Paso office puts the chance of rain at 40%, with east-southeast winds of 2 to 6 mph and temperatures easing from near 98°F later in the afternoon. The official point forecast calls for less than a tenth of an inch of rain, though stronger storms could still produce quick, heavy downpours. The National Weather Service says storm coverage should be more widespread across the region Sunday.
Storms Could Bring Sudden Downpours And Dust
Storm chances will be highest from midafternoon into the evening, with thunderstorms capable of brief heavy rain, gusty outflow winds and blowing dust. Localized flash flooding is expected to be the main storm hazard, especially where rain falls quickly over already vulnerable low spots.
The rain chance drops to 30% Sunday night before 11 p.m., followed by partly cloudy skies and a low near 75°F. No watches or warnings are posted for the El Paso area in the current forecast.
Triple-Digit Heat Takes Over The Week
Monday should be sunny and slightly cooler, with a high near 96°F, while the better storm chances shift toward the Gila region, far southwestern New Mexico and the Sacramento Mountains. After that, the forecast turns notably warmer and drier, with highs near 99°F Tuesday, 101°F Wednesday, and 103°F Thursday.
Temperatures remain elevated through the weekend, reaching about 102°F Friday and 101°F Saturday. Overnight lows will mostly stay in the mid to upper 70s, offering limited relief after the sun goes down.
Heat Safety Matters As The Thermometer Climbs
Residents planning outdoor activities should schedule strenuous work for the morning, drink plenty of water, and move indoors if a storm develops nearby. El Paso’s public-health department lists cooling centers as a resource during extreme heat warnings and advises residents to call 2-1-1 for information about available locations, according to the city’s heat-preparedness guidance.
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