ABC-7 StormTrack Weather: Storm Chances Increase Into Friday

High pressure and drier air will limit storm development tonight. Isolated showers and thunderstorms will be possible mainly across the New Mexico Bootheel, Hudspeth County and the Sacramento Mountains. For El Paso and the surrounding lowlands, clouds will build at times, but most will remain dry.

Thursday

Moisture will begin increasing from the southwest, bringing better storm chances to the region. The greatest coverage is expected across southwestern New Mexico and the Gila National Forest, where scattered storms will have a 30-50% chance of developing.

For El Paso and the Borderland, storm chances remain lower during the day, but isolated thunderstorms could develop overnight Thursday into Friday, with a 20-40% chance.

Friday: Stormiest Day

Friday looks to be the wettest and most active day of the forecast period.

That means more widespread thunderstorms and a greater threat for heavy rainfall. Stronger storms could produce gusty winds up to 50 mph, while localized flash flooding will be possible, especially in flood-prone areas.

Weekend

By Saturday, the upper-level high begins rebuilding over southern New Mexico. That will increase temperatures and limit storm development.

Still, with moisture lingering, scattered storms will remain possible in the mountains, while the lowlands could see a few isolated thunderstorms. Temperatures should trend slightly cooler and closer to seasonal averages for the weekend.