656 FXUS64 KMAF 200505 AFDMAFArea Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX 1205 AM CDT Sat Sep 20 2025
...New AVIATION...
.KEY MESSAGES... Updated at 1204 AM CDT Sat Sep 20 2025
- Isolated to scattered shower and thunderstorm chances continue through Saturday, mainly in Southeast New Mexico and in/around the higher terrain (10-30%).
- Near-record high temperatures expected Sunday and Monday.
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.SHORT TERM... (This afternoon through Saturday night) Issued at 106 PM CDT Fri Sep 19 2025
A couple of showers have already been ongoing across Culberson County and western portions of Eddy County this morning. Shower and thunderstorm development is expected to continue in the higher terrain this afternoon and evening due to upslope flow and differential heating (which may be somewhat stymied by ongoing light showers). The best chances (10-30%) range from the Davis Mountains north into portions of Eddy and Lea Counties. Convective-Allowing Models also indicate the potential for a cluster of storms to move across far southwest Texas and portions of Eddy County later tonight (10-30% chance as well). No severe weather is anticipated, though we will be keeping an eye out for localized instances of flash flooding today given the relatively slow-moving nature of this activity. Highs top out in the upper 80s and low 90s again today, though a degree or two warmer than previous days. Lows in the 60s can be expected for most.
Saturday continues to look fairly similar to today, especially as far as temperatures go. The best rain chances (10-30%) will be in/around the Davis Mountains. That being said, a surface low will set up north of our viewing area tomorrow afternoon. Lift from the surface trough, coupled with differential heating and seasonable moisture should allow for a couple of isolated showers and thunderstorms to develop in the Permian Basin too (10-15% chance).
Sprang
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.LONG TERM... (Sunday through Thursday) Issued at 106 PM CDT Fri Sep 19 2025
Sunday and Monday still look to be the hottest days in the forecast. In fact, the summer-like temperatures these days will near record levels: the current all-time high for both of these days is 100 degrees at Midland International, and the current forecast calls for 98 and 99 degrees Sunday and Monday. In addition to the hot temperatures, downsloping westerly winds will keep the area drier overall. This, coupled with increased subsidence from the strengthening upper-level high pressure, keeps rain chances near zero Sunday through Monday afternoon.
After Monday, the forecast (unfortunately) continues to be a bit uncertain. The deterministic/ensemble European models have been consistent in signaling a deeper trough that digs farther south Tuesday and Wednesday, ushering in cooler air and some rain chances by mid-week. The GFS and GEFS have been a bit more inconsistent. As of right now, there is at least some agreement the trough will eventually dip south into the Southern Plains (roughly near the Oklahoma/Missouri/Arkansas border), which should send a front our way. This front would usher in cooler temperatures and at least low rain chances (10-30%). That being said, questions remain as far as system timing goes (right now it looks like the front would arrive sometime Tuesday night/Wednesday morning), as well as how much cooler the air behind the front will be, and what rain chances would look like. In essence, confidence remains low in the forecast past Monday evening, and will continue to be low until more consistency is noted between models.
Sprang
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.AVIATION... (06Z TAFS) Issued at 1204 AM CDT Sat Sep 20 2025
MVFR or lower conditions in showers/storms for terminals over SE NM plains, Upper Trans Pecos, and Permian Basin from beginning of period into 08Z-11Z, otherwise VFR conditions expected. Low probability again of showers/storms and associated MVFR or lower conditions and gusty winds for terminals across SE NM plains into Upper Trans Pecos 20Z-02Z. Southerly winds expected at most terminals by 12Z-16Z, continuing into end of period. Intermittent gusts to 15-20 knots for terminals across Permian Basin into Stockton Plateau 16Z-02Z.
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.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Big Spring 91 68 96 70 / 20 10 10 0 Carlsbad 91 66 95 67 / 10 0 0 0 Dryden 93 70 97 72 / 10 0 10 0 Fort Stockton 92 69 96 71 / 20 0 10 0 Guadalupe Pass 82 65 86 66 / 20 0 0 0 Hobbs 88 64 94 65 / 20 10 0 0 Marfa 85 59 88 61 / 30 10 10 0 Midland Intl Airport 92 69 97 72 / 20 10 0 0 Odessa 90 69 96 71 / 20 10 0 0 Wink 91 67 96 68 / 20 10 0 0
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.MAF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... TX...None. NM...None. &&
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SHORT TERM...13 LONG TERM....13 AVIATION...94
NWS MAF Office Area Forecast Discussion