El Paso matches record with triple-digit temperatures; heat warning in effect Sunday

Aaron A. Bedoya, El Paso Times
Updated ·2 min read
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El Pasoans will have to continue enduring scorching temperatures as triple-digit heat continues.

El Paso weather matched a long-standing record on Saturday, July 8, with a streak of 23 consecutive days of triple-digit temperatures. This record has stood since July 1994, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS also stated that the hot weather shows no signs of decreasing, with "no end in sight at this time."

An Excessive Heat Warning will be in effect for El Paso County starting Sunday through Thursday, according to a tweet from NWS.

Officials with the El Paso Electric Co. said during the recent 100-degree weather, increased demand on the grid is expected, which could potentially result in higher bills for residents as they rely more on-air conditioners to cool their homes.

Kids play at the Pavo Real Spray Park on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.
Kids play at the Pavo Real Spray Park on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

Tips on keeping cool

  • Drink water, more than usual, no matter how active you are. Don't wait until you're thirsty. Make sure your pets have plenty to drink.

  • Avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar, alcohol or caffeine. These can increase body fluid loss.

  • Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.

  • Take cool showers or baths.

  • Limit outdoor activity, especially in the middle of the day.

  • Use drapes or shades on windows to keep out the sun.

  • Limit oven and stove use to keep in-home temperatures lower.

  • Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to improve perspiration evaporation.

Graphics: How to keep cool and recognize the warnings signs of heatstroke

How to help a victim of heatstroke

The CDC says people suffering from heatstroke are in a life-threatening emergency. The agency's recommendations:

  • Find share: Get the victim to a shady area.

  • Cool down: Cool the victim rapidly, using whatever is available. For example, immerse the victim in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.

  • Track temperature: Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the temperature drops to 101-102°F.

  • Get help: Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

  • EMT delay?: If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.

  • No alcohol: Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.

How to help a victim of heat exhaustion

The CDC says heat exhaustion is a milder form of illness than heat stroke. The agency's recommendations:

  • Keep hydrated: Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages.

  • Stay indoors.

  • Cool down: Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.

  • Stay cool: Seek air conditioning.

USA Today contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso County faces Excessive Heat Warning through Thursday