Record-breaking heat wave: El Paso endures 40 consecutive triple-digit days

Eli Wizevich
·4 min read
3

El Paso endured scorching heat for its 40th consecutive day as temperatures soared past the triple-digit mark.

High temperatures reached 102 degrees Tuesday afternoon in El Paso.

A Heat Advisory was issued by the National Weather Service through Wednesday afternoon.

Temperatures in the triple digits are expected to continue through Friday and possibly extend into the weekend, Kerwyn Teixeira, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said. If the high temperatures continue, the streak will last between 43 and 44 days.

El Paso's previous record for consecutive days with temperatures over 100 degrees, set in the summer of 1994, was 23 days long, according to data tweeted by National Weather Service.

The current heat wave surpassed the 1994 recordJuly 8. The streak began June 16.

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.

When will the heat wave end?

The National Weather Service predicts relief on the horizon, with the record-setting heat streak expected to conclude this weekend. Specifically, Saturday, July 29, will be the first day when temperatures won't hit the triple-digit mark.

The heat lingering in the El Paso area will soon shift eastward, Teixeira said. Summer monsoon rains are likely in the western Rio Grande Valley over the weekend, and the nearby moisture and clouds will cool down El Paso.

The relief, however, will be limited, with temperatures lingering in the mid-to upper-90s throughout the weekend and into next week, according to the National Weather Service.

More: El Paso Electric power usage hits level not expected until 2029 because of heat wave

What will August weather be like in El Paso?

July is historically the hottest month in El Paso. Temperatures are cooler in August. Teixeira explains that while days over 100 degrees may still occur next month, the extreme range of 105 to 110 degrees is less likely.

Amid the record-breaking heat wave, the National Weather Service El Paso is working diligently to provide crucial updates. Their Twitter account and website are valuable resources for frequently updated temperature charts, advisories, and weather forecasts.

Although El Paso will get "some relief at least" this weekend and into August, Teixeira and the National Weather Service remind residents to hydrate, stay indoors as much as possible, and check in frequently on the most vulnerable to extreme heat, including the elderly, children and pets.

More: Heat related injuries at Ascarate Park no surprise: Letters to the Editor

Options to pay high electric bills

Staying inside more means running air conditioners at higher levels and more often throughout the day to keep cool. The demand is so high because of the heat wave that the El Paso Electric Company reached power usage levels that it didn't expect to hit until 2029.

As a result, consumers running electric air conditioning more than usual will receive higher bills from El Paso Electric. El Paso Electric offers Payment Arrangement Plans year-round to spread expensive summer bills across the rest of the year.

EPE also suggests cost-cutting programs, such as upgrading to Smart Thermostats that can automatically reduce usage during peak hours. For more information, consult the El Paso Electric Customer Service Department.

More 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.

How to help a victim of heatstroke

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

  • Find shade: 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 heatstroke. The agency recommends:

  • Keep hydrated: Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages.

  • Stay indoors.

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

  • Stay cool: Seek air conditioning.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Heat wave 2023: 40 days of triple-digit temperatures hit El Paso