Clear skies and temperatures in the low 60s greeted El Paso early Wednesday, with the city headed for another sunny afternoon near 82 degrees. But the comfortable stretch is running out of runway: a sharp wind shift arrives Thursday night, followed by a much colder, unsettled Friday.
Sunny Today, Then Winds Turn Serious
Wednesday stays sunny. Thursday will look similar at first, reaching about 81 degrees before northeast winds strengthen later in the day. The forecast then takes a distinctly less patio-friendly turn after sunset.
High Wind Watch Covers Thursday Night Through Friday
A High Wind Watch is in effect from Thursday evening through Friday afternoon for El Paso County and surrounding areas. In the city, northeast winds could reach 14 to 32 mph Thursday night, with gusts up to 47 mph, while Friday's winds may gust to 45 mph. The broader watch allows for gusts up to 65 mph, especially along mountain ridges and west-facing slopes. Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be prepared for difficult travel, and loose outdoor items should be secured before the front arrives.
Rain Chances Rise As Temperatures Crash
A slight chance of showers develops after midnight Thursday, followed by a 50% chance of rain showers Friday. Friday's high is expected to reach only about 60 degrees, with a low near 48, and Saturday stays cool near 63 with a chance of showers. The region's weather office says the strongest winds are most likely overnight Thursday into Friday morning.
Warmer Weather Returns Next Week
El Paso gets a modest break over the weekend before temperatures begin climbing again. Sunday should be mostly sunny near 71 degrees, followed by highs around 77 Monday and 80 Tuesday. The new wind watch is a significant update to the earlier Hoodline forecast, which had already flagged the incoming cold front but not yet the latest alert details.
