Clouds are expected at the start of Friday, with a rare late-season round of potentially strong thunderstorms possible later. The city could reach about 82 degrees before scattered storms develop after 4 p.m., with the most unsettled stretch arriving Friday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service forecast discussion.
Storms Could Bring Hail And Damaging Winds
The risk is not expected to be even across the region: the National Weather Service says weekend storm chances will be concentrated mostly east of the Rio Grande, with the highest local risks in Otero and Hudspeth counties. Forecasters also describe Friday’s strong-to-severe storm threat as rare for this late in the season, with large hail, damaging winds and localized flash flooding possible. The El Paso forecast discussion outlines the regional outlook.
Storm chances rise through the afternoon, with a 60% chance of rain during the day and a 70% chance Friday night. El Paso’s point forecast calls for scattered showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m.; the regional forecast discussion places widespread storm development between 2 and 10 p.m. Some storms could produce large hail, damaging wind gusts and localized flash flooding, so outdoor plans may need a backup. The National Weather Service forecast gives the updated precipitation chances and timing.
Temperatures are expected to reach a high near 82 before falling to around 58 overnight, based on the latest El Paso forecast discussion. South-to-southeast winds could reach 12 knots, and thunderstorms could reduce visibility.
Checking El Paso Flood Maps
For local flood-risk context, the City of El Paso Planning & Inspections says FEMA released a revised preliminary flood map for El Paso County on November 15, 2023. The city provides a viewer showing areas changed after the first appeal period; the information cited here does not identify specific neighborhoods or drainage features.
Weekend Stays Unsettled Before Drying Out
Saturday will be cooler, with a high near 78, and additional showers and thunderstorms are possible. The National Weather Service’s El Paso forecast gives the Saturday outlook.
A Flood Watch is now in effect for Saturday evening through late Saturday night in parts of El Paso County, including western and eastern/central areas, as well as neighboring parts of New Mexico and Hudspeth County. The watch warns that runoff could flood poor-drainage and urban areas and low-water crossings; widespread rainfall up to an inch is possible, with localized totals of 2 to 3 inches. The National Weather Service watch notice urges residents in flood-prone areas to monitor later forecasts.
Drier weather is expected early next week. The National Weather Service’s extended forecast gives the outlook.
What To Watch For Friday Evening
Residents should keep phones charged and check radar before heading out, especially between late afternoon and bedtime. If thunder is audible, move indoors, and never drive through water covering a roadway, particularly if a fast-moving storm drops heavy rain over low-lying areas.
