Imperial Sand Dunes

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Traffic on The Dunes
Traffic on The Dunes - Codyman at English Wikipedia, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Today’s Forecast:

🌤
°F
Current Temperature
Station: QCAC1
Observed at: 5:10 pm
Wind: 0 mph | Humidity: %
⚠️
Extreme Heat Warning
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 24 at 2:21PM MST until July 27 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ (Expires: July 27, 2026 10:00 pm)
Show Alert Details & Instructions
Description: * WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions. Afternoon temperatures 105 to 120 degrees. Major to Extreme Heat Risk. * WHERE...Portions of southwest Arizona and southeast California. * WHEN...Until 8 PM MST /8 PM PDT/ Monday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events. Overexposure can cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion to develop and, without intervention, can lead to heat stroke. Instructions: An Extreme Heat Warning means that a period of very hot temperatures, even by local standards, will occur. Actions should be taken to lessen the impact of the extreme heat. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. Public cooling shelters are available in some areas. Consult county officials for more details.

This Afternoon:Sunny, with a high near 111. Heat index values as high as 110. South southeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tonight:Mostly clear, with a low around 91. Southwest wind 0 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday:Sunny, with a high near 111. South southwest wind 0 to 10 mph.

Today’s Report:

⛺ Camping

Not Recommended
  6 /100

Not Recommended for camping. High near 111°F. Low rain risk (1%). Light wind (10 mph). Extreme heat (high near 111°F). Temperatures outside comfort limits (111°F).

  • Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Heat: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
  • Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
⚠️ Active weather alerts affect this activity!
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 6/100

🚲 Biking

Not Recommended
  6 /100

Not Recommended for biking. High near 111°F. Low rain risk (1%). Light wind (10 mph). Extreme heat (high near 111°F). Temperatures outside comfort limits (111°F).

  • Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Heat: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
  • Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
⚠️ Active weather alerts affect this activity!
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 6/100

🎪 Outdoor Events / Activities

Not Recommended
  6 /100

Not Recommended for outdoor events / activities. High near 111°F. Low rain risk (1%). Light wind (10 mph). Extreme heat (high near 111°F). Temperatures outside comfort limits (111°F).

  • Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Heat: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 6/100

About Imperial Sand Dunes

Imperial Sand Dunes is an outdoor-planning page for Glamis, Buttercup Valley, and eastern Imperial County dunes. It has a distinct purpose centered on extreme heat, sun, wind, blowing sand, cold nights, storms, crowds, and remote travel, with the forecast used to choose the safest and most comfortable version of the day.

Make the Most of a Imperial Sand Dunes Day

Start by comparing conditions across Glamis, Buttercup Valley, and the rest of the coverage area. Choose among camping, biking, outdoor events based on wind, precipitation, temperature, visibility, water or trail conditions, road access, smoke, and available daylight.

Weather Tips for Imperial Sand Dunes

  • Conditions around Glamis, Buttercup Valley, and eastern Imperial County dunes can differ sharply from nearby towns; extreme heat, sun, wind, blowing sand, cold nights, storms, crowds, and remote travel are the main planning variables.
  • For camping, confirm overnight lows, wind, precipitation, fire restrictions, campground access, and how quickly shelter or services can be reached.
  • Carry abundant water, avoid exposed midday routes in hot weather, and plan for strong sun, wind, cold nights, flash flooding, limited services, and long drives.
  • Check current road, trail, ramp, campground, and park alerts before relying on a remote access point.

Nearby Towns and Areas

This page covers Glamis, Buttercup Valley, and eastern Imperial County dunes. It can also be useful when planning outdoor time near:

  • Glamis
  • Buttercup Valley
  • Gordon’s Well
  • Ogilby
  • Brawley
  • El Centro
  • Plank Road

Plan Around the Conditions

Use the forecast to choose the best version of Imperial Sand Dunes rather than forcing one itinerary. A shorter route, earlier launch, sheltered shoreline, lower-elevation trail, or town-based backup can preserve the day when conditions change.

7-Day Forecast for Imperial Sand Dunes

🌤
°F
Current Temperature
Station: QCAC1
Observed at: 5:10 pm
Wind: 0 mph | Humidity: %
Fri ☀
111° 91°
0%
Sat ☀
111° 87°
1%
Sun ⛈
107° 85°
11%
Mon ☀
106° 85°
3%
Tue ⛅
106° 85°
2%
Wed ☀
106° 85°
2%
Thu ☀
108° 87°
0%

7-Day High Temperature Trend

111° Fri 111° Sat 107° Sun 106° Mon 106° Tue 106° Wed 108° Thu

7-Day Low Temperature Trend

91° Fri 87° Sat 85° Sun 85° Mon 85° Tue 85° Wed 87° Thu

📊 7-Day Outdoor Outlook

Good Fair Poor 6 Fri 6 Sat 5 Sun 6 Mon 6 Tue 6 Wed 6 Thu
Forecast data from the National Weather Service  |  Last Updated: July 24, 2026 5:39 pm CDT

Imperial Sand Dunes Weather by Season

Winter

At Imperial Sand Dunes, winter provides the safest general window for outdoor exploration, but cold nights, strong wind, and long remote drives still require preparation. Higher elevations can be icy or snowy while low basins stay mild.

Spring

Around Glamis, Buttercup Valley, and eastern Imperial County dunes, heat rises quickly through spring, and exposed routes become demanding earlier in the day. Wind, blowing dust, thunderstorms, flash flooding, rough roads, and limited services require conservative decisions.

Summer

For extreme heat, sun, wind, blowing sand, cold nights, storms, crowds, and remote travel, summer heat and sun exposure can be life-threatening, so sightseeing should stay close to a reliable air-conditioned vehicle and established services. Avoid remote hikes, carry substantial water, and treat storms, flooding, blowing dust, and vehicle trouble as serious travel risks.

Fall

Near Glamis and the surrounding area, early fall can remain extremely hot before more workable conditions arrive later. Cold nights, wind, dust, and remote-road logistics return as major planning factors once daytime heat eases.

Key Climate Data Points

  • Warmest months: June through September.
  • Coolest months: December and January nights, especially above the lowest basins.
  • Wettest season: December through February.
  • Driest season: May through October.
  • Best outdoor window: November through March, with short routes and conservative remote-travel planning.