ABC-7 StormTrack Weather: Triple-Digit Heat Takes Center Stage as Storm Chances Fade
EL PASO, Texas — Another stretch of intense summer heat is settling over the Borderland, with triple-digit temperatures expected to dominate the forecast through the weekend and into early next week.
According to Doppler Dave, showers and thunderstorms developing over the higher terrain of southern New Mexico will face a much less favorable environment as they move toward the desert lowlands Friday. While a few storms could reach lower elevations, coverage is expected to be very limited, with the main concern being gusty outflow winds.
Storms Favor the Mountains
Thunderstorms are already developing over the Gila Region and Sacramento Mountains, where terrain and available moisture are providing enough instability for scattered convection.
However, storms will struggle to survive as they drift toward the lowlands. Drier air near the surface is expected to mix out available moisture, weakening storms before they reach El Paso and surrounding desert communities.
The ABC-7 StormTrack Weather team notes that any storms that do make it into the lowlands will likely be very spotty. Even without significant rainfall, thunderstorm outflow could produce sudden and gusty winds.
Heat Builds Through the Weekend
The bigger weather story will be the heat.
High pressure aloft will strengthen over the region, bringing warmer and drier air into southern New Mexico and far West Texas. Lowland temperatures are expected to remain around 100 to 103 degrees through the weekend, with even warmer temperatures possible early next week.
Those readings will be well above normal for the region and could come close to daily temperature records.
ABC-7 StormTrack Weather has also been tracking the return of triple-digit temperatures across the Borderland in recent days, with El Paso continuing to experience a prolonged stretch of extreme summer heat.
Storm Chances Drop Quickly
Thunderstorm chances will diminish significantly this weekend as upper-level high pressure builds closer to the area. The increasing influence of the ridge will suppress convection, even across the higher terrain where storms have been more active recently.
By early next week, the ridge is expected to settle over southern New Mexico, allowing temperatures to climb a little higher. A few isolated storms could eventually return to the mountains, but widespread rainfall is not expected.
What to Expect
For El Paso and the surrounding lowlands, the forecast points toward hot, mostly dry conditions with temperatures near or above 100 degrees. Mountain communities have a better opportunity for an isolated thunderstorm, but those storms should weaken as they move into the desert.
Residents should prepare for another prolonged period of dangerous summer heat, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, stay hydrated and remain alert for sudden wind gusts if a thunderstorm develops nearby.
For the latest forecast and StormTrack updates, follow ABC-7 StormTrack Weather.
