textproduct: Midland/Odessa

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 157 AM CDT Thu Jul 23 2026

- Very hot temperatures are expected today onward, with increasing coverage of triple digit highs. Persistent heat will present an increasing risk of heat-related illnesses.

- Rain chances remain low to none through at least the middle of next week.

SHORT TERM

(Today through Friday afternoon) Issued at 157 AM CDT Thu Jul 23 2026

The heat is back! WV imagery this morning shows the upper ridge centered over north central Texas, and spanning the southern CONUS from coast to coast. KMAF hit 101 F yesterday...the first triple- digit day since Independence Day. For those who prefer warmer weather, this looks to generally persist through the extended.

Today, the ridge is forecast to shift west a little, increasing thicknesses and adding a degree or so to yesterday's high, finishing the afternoon ~ 7-9 F above climatology. Unfortunately for our customers in the Western Low Rolling Hills, privy to highest dewpoints in the Colorado River Valley, apparent temperatures will be pushing 105 F, and a Heat Advisory remains in effect for them. An isolated afternoon storm or two is possible, mainly eastern Permian Basin, in better dewpoints.

Tonight, a 30 kt LLJ is forecast to develop, and will combine with a few high clouds to retard radiational cooling, keeping overnight minimums unseasonably warm, around 8-10 F above normal.

Friday, the upper ridge develops even farther west, w/the LREF centering it SSW of the Four Corners. The will shift the heat west, and Heat Advisories may be needed for the Pecos River Valley in Southeast New Mexico. Areas east may see highs a degree or so cooler than today, but still warm. Isolated afternoon convection will be possible, mainly over the Chinatis.

LONG TERM

(Friday night through Wednesday) Issued at 157 AM CDT Thu Jul 23 2026

Hot and dry weather below an upper ridge becomes the norm within the Long Term forecast. The ridge's center will hover between the Four Corners region and central Great Plains this weekend and into the middle of next week. The ridge axis shifts west of our area Saturday, allowing for highs a touch cooler compared to Friday. Expect temperatures mainly in the 90s, with triple digits near and along the river valleys and the northeastern Permian Basin. Sunday onward, upper riding gradually strengthens aloft. Increasing heights bring widespread highs beyond the century mark across our region through at least the middle of next week. The hottest conditions will tend to lie along the river valleys. Highs will top out near 105 degrees most afternoons near the Pecos River, while areas along the Rio Grande are expected to climb between 105-110 degrees (up to 115 degrees in some portions of the Big Bend). Given multiple days of persistently hot conditions, Heat products may be issued as needed. Temperatures in the higher terrain and portions of the Lower Trans Pecos will reach the upper 90s most afternoons. Overnight lows mainly fall to the 70s each night. Isolated showers/storms will be possible over SE NM and the higher terrain in west Texas Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. Otherwise, the forecast remains dry for everyone else.

AVIATION

(06Z TAFS) Issued at 1139 PM CDT Wed Jul 22 2026

VFR conditions will continue next 24 hours in light return flow. Convective chances are minimal, but a widespread cu field is expected late morning/early afternoon Thursday, w/bases ~ 7-9 kft AGL.

PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS

Big Spring 103 78 103 78 / 20 0 0 0 Carlsbad 102 78 104 77 / 0 0 0 10 Dryden 103 78 100 77 / 10 0 0 0 Fort Stockton 101 77 100 75 / 0 0 0 0 Guadalupe Pass 93 72 95 72 / 0 0 10 0 Hobbs 101 76 103 75 / 0 0 0 10 Marfa 94 67 95 64 / 0 0 10 0 Midland Intl Airport 102 79 101 77 / 10 0 0 0 Odessa 101 79 101 77 / 0 0 0 0 Wink 103 79 103 77 / 0 0 0 0

MAF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

TX...Heat Advisory from 1 PM this afternoon to 9 PM CDT this evening for Borden-Howard-Mitchell-Scurry.

NM...None.