ABC-7 StormTrack Weather: Hot Weather Continues, Storm Chances Increase Midweek

Hot and mostly dry conditions will continue across the Borderland today, with temperatures running several degrees above average.

An upper-level ridge stretching across the southern U.S. is pushing drier air into the region from the east. However, there is still plenty of moisture in place. A steady stream of mid-level moisture west of the Continental Divide will help fuel scattered afternoon thunderstorms, mainly across the mountains and western New Mexico.

For El Paso and the desert lowlands, storm chances remain limited at around 10% to 20%. Warmer air associated with the upper-level ridge will provide a cap on storm development, keeping most of the lowlands dry.

Temperatures will remain 4 to 7 degrees above average through the week.

Storm Chances Increase Wednesday and Thursday

A weak upper-level trough moving through the northern Midwest will begin weakening the ridge on Wednesday before splitting it into two areas of high pressure. The southern edge of this trough will help bring additional moisture and lift into the region.

The lowlands could see a 10% to 20% chance of afternoon and evening storms Wednesday, increasing to 20% to 40% Thursday. The main concerns with any storms will be gusty outflow winds.

Triple-Digit Heat Returns

Storm activity is expected to decrease Friday as the upper-level trough moves farther east. Thunderstorms should become confined mainly to the mountains and far western New Mexico.

Meanwhile, the heat will intensify.

Friday and Saturday are expected to be the hottest days of the week, with temperatures climbing to around or above 100 degrees.

ABC-7 StormTrack Weather will continue to monitor the heat and storm potential throughout the week.