El Paso sits in the Chihuahuan Desert on the Texas-Mexico border and receives only around 230 mm (about 9 inches) of rain a year, one of the driest major U.S. cities, with most of it concentrated in the summer monsoon season from July through September. Because rain is so infrequent, the city’s desert washes (arroyos) can fill with startling speed during monsoon downpours, a genuine hazard for anyone caught in a normally-dry channel when a storm builds over the nearby mountains. Summer monsoon storms can develop quickly on hot afternoons. Because a typical week here involves no rain at all, radar becomes especially useful during the relatively brief monsoon season. NWS Doppler radar KEPZ (El Paso) covers the region.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in El Paso right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over El Paso, Texas in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over El Paso, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the El Paso rain radar update?
The radar refreshes continuously, typically every few minutes, so the map reflects current conditions rather than an hours-old forecast. Press play to animate the most recent frames.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward El Paso?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over Texas are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach El Paso or pass by.
Is this El Paso rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.