Triple-digit heat breaking records this week in El Paso: Here's how to stay safe in a scorcher
June is El Paso's hottest month, but this week's triple-digit heat is still setting records.
The El Paso airport hit 106 degrees Wednesday, setting a new record for June 8. The high temperature broke the record of 105 that stood since 1981.
Temperatures dropped slightly on Thursday but the National Weather Service El Paso forecasts the high temperature to remain over 100 degrees for the next week. The city of El Paso opened six cooling stations Wednesday to provide respite from the hot weather.
Older adults, children and people who work outdoors should take extra care in the heat. Take frequent breaks if you are working or exercising outdoors and drink plenty of water.
959pm As hot as we were today, not many records fell. El Paso Intl did hit 106 for new daily record. At our NWS office in Santa Teresa, we hit 103, tying the daily record. #txwx #nmwx
— NWS El Paso (@NWSElPaso) June 9, 2022
High temperatures could break records
Triple-digit heat in El Paso is becoming more frequent and coming earlier in the year as the climate warms. May 16, 2022, already set a new heat record at 101 degrees.
"The records for June are going to be hotter since it's our hottest month," said National Weather Service El Paso meteorologist Eleanor Dhuyvetter. "But going into the weekend we might be close."
The record highs for June 11 and June 12 in El Paso were set just last year, at 106 and 109 degrees. The current forecast for Saturday is 106 degrees, so that new record could soon be re-written. Sunday's high forecast is also 106.
Dhuyvetter said those temperatures are about 10 degrees above normal, but not unheard of for June. The meteorologist explained a region of high pressure moving north from Mexico is contributing to this week's hot weather.
More: A Sun City scorcher: Triple-digit weather comes early in 2022 as El Paso hits 101 degrees
El Paso cooling stations open seven days a week
High temperatures can cause a range of health problems, as your body struggles to cool down. Your best bet is to stay in cool, indoor spaces. The city operates six stations that are free to all who need a place to cool off.
The cooling stations are located at:
Galatzan Rec Center, 650 Wallenberg Drive
Memorial Park Senior Center, 1800 Byron St.
Veterans Rec Center, 5301 Salem Drive
Chamizal Rec Center, 2101 Cypress Ave.
Gary Del Palacio Rec Center, 3001 Parkwood St.
Valle Bajo Community Center, 7380 Alameda Ave.
Marty Robbins Rec Center, 11620 Vista del Sol Drive
The stations are open from Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.
City of El Paso Activates Cooling Centers Ahead of Extreme Heat
The cooling centers provide an indoor, air-conditioned, environment for residents to visit and cool down throughout the day.
For more information about heat safety, please visit https://t.co/jiWxIhyACD pic.twitter.com/E1meqLP3Bd— El Paso Office of Emergency Management (@ElPasoOEM) June 8, 2022
High temperatures tied to air pollution
State officials also announced an Ozone Action Day for El Paso on Wednesday, with ozone, or smog, reaching unhealthy levels for vulnerable populations. Hot weather like this week goes hand in hand with smog. Ozone is formed when pollutants come into contact with sunlight, especially at high temperatures.
On Ozone Action Days, people with lung disease, children, older adults and people work outside should avoid strenuous activities. State environmental authorities recommend using public transportation, biking or walking instead of driving on Ozone Action Days, to reduce air pollution.
More: State climatologist: El Paso can expect more extreme heat, 100 degree days to double by 2036
Staff writer Martha Pskowski may be reached at mpskowski@elpasotimes.com and @psskow on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Extreme heat in El Paso this week, could set temperature records
