ABC-7 First Alert: Pleasant Conditions Before a Major Cold Front Brings Strong Winds and a Sharp Temperature Drop

EL PASO, Texas — Enjoy the mild weather across the Borderland tonight and tomorrow because a dramatic change is on the way. An upper-level storm moving across the Four Corners will keep conditions dry and breezy through Thursday afternoon, with temperatures staying near seasonal averages. However, a powerful cold front is expected to move into the region Thursday evening, bringing strong northeasterly winds and a significant drop in temperatures.

The biggest concern arrives Thursday evening into Friday morning, when a second system helps drive a strong cold front into the region from the northeast. Sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph are expected across much of the Borderland, although areas from Las Cruces to Holloman Air Force Base may experience lighter winds initially.

Wind gusts could reach 60 mph or higher in some areas, particularly across El Paso, Hudspeth and Otero counties. Recent rainfall should help limit blowing dust, but it remains a possibility with such strong wind gusts.

Temperatures will take a dramatic turn Friday and Saturday. Highs Friday may struggle to reach 60 degrees, with temperatures falling 20 to 25 degrees below seasonal averages. The Black Range and Sacramento Mountains could experience winterlike conditions Friday, with the first freeze of the season expected in those areas.

A few isolated to scattered showers are possible Friday morning, mainly across eastern Hudspeth County. Moisture returning from the south could also bring a rain-and-snow mix to some higher elevations early Saturday morning if enough moisture reaches the region. Any snowfall is expected to produce little to no accumulation because ground temperatures remain relatively warm.

Looking ahead to early next week, forecast models are indicating another system could approach the region by midweek. This system may bring increasing chances for showers and thunderstorms, although confidence in its timing and potential impacts remains low.

For now, enjoy the pleasant conditions while they last, but prepare for a sharp temperature drop and potentially dangerous winds late Thursday into Friday. Stay weather-aware, secure loose outdoor items and monitor ABC-7 StormTrack Weather for updates to watches, warnings and advisories.