Winds out of the west to southwest will become quite gusty this afternoon. Those winds will help bring in hot temperatures from the higher elevations in Mexico. Downsloping effect from those strong winds and clear skies will cause temperatures to soar this afternoon. Most locations in Texas will climb into at least the 80s this afternoon. Portions of Northwest Texas, the Big Country, Concho Valley, Permian Basin, and Central Texas will likely top out in the upper 80s to lower 90s. South-Central Texas and South Texas will peak in the lower to upper 90s today. Deep South Texas could see a few spots approach 100 degrees. Skies will be clear and the sun will be shining bright.

Gusty west winds over 35 MPH, very warm temperatures, and relative humidity values below 20 percent will promote critical fire weather conditions across the Texas Panhandle, South Plains, Rolling Plains, Permian Basin, and Far West Texas this afternoon. Very high to near critical fire weather conditions are expected as far east as Northwest Texas, the Big Country, and the Concho Valley. Those hot temperatures this afternoon will really help dry out surface fuels. Please use extra caution when dealing with outdoor equipment that could cause a spark. If a fire develops it could really take off due to the strong west winds.

Temperatures tonight will generally fall back into the 40s to middle 50s across the western half of Texas. The eastern half of Texas will generally fall into the upper 50s to middle 60s. The Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas will fall into the upper 60s tonight. Don’t be surprised to see some fog develops late tonight.