Historic heat moved into El Paso over the weekend, shattering the all-time record high for March.
The El Paso International Airport recorded a scorching temperature high of 96 degrees on Sunday, March 22, breaking the previous all-time record high of 93 degrees (set in 2017). These hot temperatures are typical for El Paso in early June, according to the National Weather Service.
El Pasoans weren’t the only ones feeling the heat – a recreation community in southwestern Arizona, about 45 minutes north of Yuma reached a scorching 110 degrees on March 19, breaking the record for highest temperature ever recorded in March in the United States.
Weak cool front moves in before temperatures rise again
A cold front that moved in overnight is bringing some “minor relief” on Monday, March 23, according to the National Weather Service. While temperatures will be cooler by 5-10 degrees, it will still be warmer than normal.
A cold front that moved in overnight is bringing some “minor relief” on Monday, March 23, according to the National Weather Service.
“Tomorrow (Tuesday, March 24), it will be as if the front was never here, as we see temperatures quickly warm through Thursday,” the National Weather Service said.
Temperatures will begin to rise again with the hottest days being Wednesday and Thursday, March 25-26.
How to stay safe in the heat
Here are some tips on how to stay safe in the heat from the El Paso Department of Public Health:
For homes, cover windows with drapes or shades, weatherstrip doors and windows, and use window reflectors, such as aluminum-foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
When outside, wear a wide hat and loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Use a minimum SPF 15 sunscreen and apply at least 20 minutes before sun exposure with reapplication every two hours.
Avoid strenuous activities in the heat, which may increase the risk of dehydration and lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and stay informed of extreme weather conditions.
Never leave people or pets in a car, even for a minute.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on x; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook.
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This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Historic heat: El Paso breaks all-time record high for March