textproduct: Midland/Odessa

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 345 AM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

- Heat Advisory remains in effect from noon MDT /1 PM CDT/ to 8 PM MDT /9 PM CDT/ Friday this evening for Eddy County, as well as the Guadalupe and Delaware Mountains.

- After a slightly cooler weekend, temperatures next week will climb into the triple digits most locations each afternoon. Additional Heat Advisories are likely, as the effects of heat are cumulative, and present an increasing risk of heat-related illnesses. - Rain chances will be slim to none.

SHORT TERM

(Today through Saturday afternoon) Issued at 345 AM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

WV imagery this morning shows the upper ridge centered over southern New Mexico, and still extending coast-to-coast across the southern CONUS. This resulted in highs in the triple digits most locations yesterday afternoon, ~ 7-9 F above climatology. The 00Z KMAF RAOB came in with a PWAT of a whopping 1.84", easily beating the daily record of 1.70" and the 100th percentile of 1.73". Unfortunately, this was wasted moisture, as much of the area was capped in an absence of triggers. A few cells tried to get going in the Permian Basin, but to no avail.

Today, the upper ridge is forecast to develop WNW, bisecting Arizona and New Mexico, shifting the heat over West Texas and Southeast New Mexico to the northwest, especially the New Mexico Pecos River Valley. As such, a Heat Advisory is in effect for Eddy County, as well as the Guadalupe/Delaware Mountains. Farther south, isolated afternoon convection is possible over the Presidio Valley/Chinati Mountains.

Tonight, the ridge begins orienting SW-NE, from eastern Arizona to eastern Colorado. Models develop convection in northeastern New Mexico, and bring it east into the Texas Panhandle/South Plains. Some of this convection could develop down into Eddy Lea Counties during the evening. This may be the overall best chance for rainfall this forecast. Otherwise, a 30 kt LLJ is set to develop, and will combine with a modest amount of high cloud to retard radiational cooling, yielding unseasonably warm overnight minimums ~ 5-7 F above normal.

Saturday, with the ridge centered over Colorado/New Mexico, taking the focus off of West Texas and Southeast New Mexico, highs most locations will dip back into the double digits, but just barely. For those who prefer this cooler weather, don't get too comfortable, as this easily looks to be the coolest day this forecast. Once again, convection north of the area could dip down into northern Lea County.

LONG TERM

(Saturday night through Thursday) Issued at 345 AM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

The extended is fairly straightforward, hot, and dry, with temperatures most locations climbing into the triple digits each afternoon, and lows remaining unseasonably warm each night due to the LLJ. The upper ridge will park itself more or less just east of the Four Corners, with minor temperature fluctuations dependent on where it shifts each day. At this time, Monday looks to be the warmest day this forecast, similar to yesterday's highs. However, this is prone to change and the whims of the upper ridge. "Cooler" temperatures over the weekend should negate the need for Heat Advisories after today, but they'll be back in play Monday through the extended. Rain chances will be minimal, and typical for late July.

AVIATION

(12Z TAFS) Issued at 345 AM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

VFR conditions will continue next 24 hours in generally light return flow. Convective chances are minimal, but a widespread cu field is expected late morning/early afternoon, w/bases ~ 5-9 kft AGL.

PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS

Big Spring 102 76 99 75 / 0 0 0 0 Carlsbad 104 76 100 75 / 0 10 0 0 Dryden 99 76 98 74 / 0 0 0 0 Fort Stockton 100 73 97 73 / 0 0 0 0 Guadalupe Pass 96 70 92 70 / 10 0 0 0 Hobbs 103 73 98 72 / 0 20 0 0 Marfa 96 63 93 64 / 10 0 0 0 Midland Intl Airport 100 75 97 75 / 0 0 0 0 Odessa 100 75 97 74 / 0 0 0 0 Wink 103 75 99 75 / 0 0 0 0

MAF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

TX...Heat Advisory from 1 PM CDT /noon MDT/ this afternoon to 9 PM CDT /8 PM MDT/ this evening for Guadalupe Mountains Above 7000 Feet-Guadalupe and Delaware Mountains.

NM...Heat Advisory from noon to 8 PM MDT Friday for Eddy County Plains-Guadalupe Mountains of Eddy County.