Winter is over. Was the forecast any good?

In brief: Today’s post reviews the winter that just ended in Houston, and assesses how well the forecast did. We also look ahead to the (slight) possibility of storms on Tuesday before a pleasant spring-time week takes hold in Houston.

A review of winter 2024-2025

From a climate standpoint, winter runs from December 1 through the end of February. From a practical standpoint, winter in Houston roughly lasts from that period as well. This year, it almost certainly does, as winter is effectively over in Houston. I’m highly confident the region will not see another freeze this season, and reasonably confident that low temperatures are unlikely to dip into the 30s again for most of the metro area.

So now that winter is over, let’s take stock in what went down. The average temperature (the daily high and low, divided by two) over the last three months has been 56.8 degrees. This is above the historical mean of 55.2 degrees, and this winter ranks 31st of out of 133 years of records. If we look at the long term trend in the average temperature, it looks like this:

Now let’s dig into each of the three months a little bit more closely to see what we can see. As you may recall, December was quite warm. The month finished with an average temperature nearly 6 degrees above normal. The second half of the month did not feel winter-like at all. Do you remember our muggy Christmas weather?

January started out warm as well, but then conditions turned much cooler. During the second half of the month Houston experienced its first Arctic outbreak of the season, with temperatures plummeting all the way down to 20 degrees on one night. As a result of this colder weather, Houston finished January with an average temperature for the month 4.4 degrees below normal.

All of which brings us to February. The first third of February was exceptionally warm. We broke or tied four daily records for high temperatures in Houston, and some of our nights saw record warmth as well. But then the middle of the month was defined by the season’s second Arctic outbreak, with a few nights in the 20s. Despite this colder weather, February still ended with an average temperature a little more than 2 degrees above normal.

How did the forecast do?

We issued our winter outlook four months ago. We forecast a relatively mild winter, with temperatures above normal. However, we included this caveat:

However—and there’s always a but in meteorology, it seems—there is one caveat to this forecast. Because of the way this pattern sets up, it will block much of the colder Arctic and Canadian air from the lower United States for most of the winter. But that does not exclude the pattern breaking one or two times. If that happens, and it probably will at least once this winter, there will be a large pool of much colder air available to dip down into the southern United States, including Texas

Essentially, that’s what happened. Houston had a mild winter punctuated by a couple of strong bursts of very cold weather. And now, we’re on to spring.

Monday

After days and days of sunshine, we’re seeing mostly cloudy skies today. Despite a warmer overall flow, these clouds should help limit high temperatures to the mid- to upper-70s for most locations. We will also see a slight chance of light showers throughout the day, but mostly skies will just be gray. As on Sunday, we’ll see some gusty southerly winds, likely picking up to 25 mph or so this afternoon. Lows tonight will only dip into the upper 60s.

There is a slight chance of severe weather northeast of Houston on Tuesday. (NOAA)

Tuesday

As a front approaches, we’ll see increasing rain chances after midnight, and throughout the morning hours on Tuesday. By around 8 to noon we may see a broken line of showers and thunderstorms develop and push through the area. Although we cannot entirely rule out the possibility of some severe weather, the dynamics favoring strong storms are more favorable to the northeast of the region, where there is a slight risk of storms. Most of Houston will likely pick up a few tenths of an inch of rain. Any lingering rains should end by around noon, with much drier air moving in behind. Temperatures will be in the 70s.

Beginning tomorrow, we’ll have daily forecasts for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, but my main concern is northerly winds. They may gust up to about 30 mph on Tuesday afternoon and early evening before settling down. So, quite literally, hold on to your hat. Lows on Tuesday night will drop into the 50s.

Wednesday and Thursday

These will be a pair of sunny and mild days. We’re talking highs generally in the mid-60s. Expect lows on Wednesday night in the 40s, and on Thursday in the 50s. We should have zero weather concerns during the middle of the week.

Friday

We should see the return of some clouds along with a warmer flow on Friday, with highs in the mid- to upper-70s.

Saturday, Sunday, and beyond

The weather on Saturday will be determined by the timing of a cool front, which likely will push through during the daytime. This may produce a slight chance for some showers, but I expect mostly sunny skies with highs in the 70s. Sunday looks to be sunny, and cooler, with highs in the upper 60s maybe. Most of next week looks mild, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s, so the watch word is “mild.”

Welcome to That ’70s Show for the next week in Houston

In brief: Although there will be differences in humidity and nighttime lows, Houston will predominantly see high temperatures in the 70s for the next week or so. This period will include some absolutely gorgeous weather days, including Friday and Saturday of this week. We are watching for the possibility of some storms with a front next Tuesday.

Texas is a big state, and there’s a broad variance in temperatures this morning. (Weather Bell)

Thursday

Houston is experiencing its warmest morning in weeks, with low temperatures generally only in the lower 60s across the metro area. However, a modest cool front is on our doorstep, and it will move into the region today. As a result we will see partly to mostly cloudy skies, although likely no rain showers. Highs today will be slightly cooler, in the mid-70s. Cooler and drier air pushes in this evening, allowing low temperatures tonight to fall to around 50 degrees in Houston.

Friday

This will be a truly splendid day, with high temperatures in the low 70s, light northerly winds, and fairly dry air. Like, it will be just about perfect. Friday night will be cool again, with lows in the lower 50s.

Friday morning looks to be the chilliest morning of the forecast period. (Weather Bell)

Saturday

Expect more sunshine on Saturday, with high temperatures a bit warmer, in the upper 70s for much of Houston, but possibly the lower 80s for a few inland areas. With a more southeasterly flow, lows on Saturday night will only drop into the mid-50s.

Sunday

Another day with mostly sunny skies. Highs will likely be a few degrees lower on Sunday, in the low- to mid-70s, with perhaps a few clouds arriving during the afternoon hours. There will be a slight chance of rain on Sunday night into Monday morning, but only a slight one. Beginning on Sunday we are also likely to see a more pronounced southerly wind, so conditions could be a bit gusty at times. Lows on Sunday night should remain in the 60s.

Next week

Monday and Tuesday of next week look to bring cloudier and more humid weather, with highs in the upper 70s to possibly lower 80. We’re starting to see some indications that a cool front next Tuesday or Tuesday night may bring with it a chance of storms as it rumbles through Houston. At this vantage point we don’t really have many details or any certainty, so we can’t say much more. But it is something we’ll keep an eye on as that’s the opening night of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. After the front’s passage we’ll see high temperatures in the—you guessed it, 70s—and cooler nights.

Houston is about to experience some of its nicest weather of the year

In brief: Tuesday brought gorgeous weather into the region, and if you missed it fear not, there is more to come. We’re going to see continued mild conditions and sunny skies through much of the weekend as spring marches into Houston and hangs around for awhile.

Wednesday

There is less widespread fog this morning, but it is still present in some locations so take a little extra care on roadways. Beyond the fog, we’ll see sunny skies today with high temperatures likely in the mid- to upper-70s. Winds will come from the south at 5 to 10 mph with moderate humidity levels. So basically, really really nice outside. Lows tonight will fall to around 60 degrees in Houston, with slightly cooler conditions further inland.

Thursday

A modest front will sag into Houston beginning Thursday morning, and pushing into the city by around noon. This will be most noticeable with the increased cloud cover. Although I cannot rule out some light showers, I don’t think most of us will see any rain. Highs Thursday will be in the low- to mid-70s, with drier air arriving in time to push lows on Thursday night down to around 50 degrees in Houston.

Friday morning will be somewhat chilly for inland areas. (Weather Bell)

Friday

This is going to be a splendid day, with high temperatures around 70 degrees, low humidity, light winds, and lots of sunshine. This could be a top-10 day in terms of weather this year in Houston. Friday night will again see lows near 50 degrees in Houston.

Saturday

For those who like conditions a little bit warmer, Saturday will also be excellent, with plenty of sunshine and highs in the upper 70s. Winds will again be light, but as they shift to come more from the offshore, Saturday night will be warmer, with lows only falling into the mid-50s or so.

Sunday

We’ll see some clouds on Sunday, which may help limit highs in the mid-70s. It will also feel a bit more humid out. Lows on Sunday night will only fall into lower 60s for most, so a bit of a warmer night.

Dewpoints in the 60s on Tuesday signal higher humidity levels. (Weather Bell)

Next week

Monday and Tuesday look warmer, with partly sunny skies and highs near 80 degrees. We’ll also flirt with some Houston-like humidity on Tuesday. However, a front arrives later on Tuesday or Tuesday night, and this should usher in some cooler weather for the rest of the week. The front may also deliver some showers, but the signal for this is not overly strong.

Aside from the fog, this week will offer idyllic spring-time weather

In brief: Houston will see spring-like weather for as far as the eye can see, with generally moderate temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The only blemish will be the potential for foggy mornings through Thursday before a weak front ushers some drier air into the region.

Tuesday

We are seeing widespread fog again this morning, and this pattern will repeat itself again on Wednesday morning, so be prepared. However as temperatures rise this morning, the fog will dissipate and we’ll be left with sunny, brilliant skies. High temperatures today will generally reach the lower 70s, with reasonably dry air. Winds will be light, from the southeast at 5 to 10 mph. It’s hard to beat this kind of weather, so if you can snatch a few moments outside this afternoon, you should. Lows tonight will drop into the low- to mid-50s, with fog developing again after midnight.

High temperatures on Tuesday will be extremely nice. (Weather Bell)

Wednesday

After the fog lifts on Wednesday we’ll see another mostly sunny day, with temperatures a bit warmer, in the upper 70s. Humidity will be a bit higher on Wednesday, but it won’t be unpleasant. Lows will be warmer, generally in the upper 50s. Fog development is likely again on Wednesday night before a cold front slides into the area on Thursday.

Thursday

The front’s arrival is likely to be a non-event aside from the development of some clouds on Thursday morning, possibly into the afternoon hours. While we cannot entirely exclude the possibility of a few light showers, I think the front’s arrival will be dry. Highs will be a bit cooler on Thursday, perhaps around 70 degrees. Lows on Friday night will likely fall to around 50 degrees in Houston, with cooler conditions for inland areas. With lower dewpoints, we should finally be rid of the fog for a bit.

Friday

We can expect another sunny, pleasant day with high temperatures in the vicinity of 70 degrees. Lows on Friday night will, again, fall to around 50 degrees, or a tick warmer.

Saturday

The first half of the weekend looks gorgeous. We can expect mostly sunny skies, and high temperatures generally in the low- to mid-70s. Some clouds will start to build during the afternoon and evening hours, and this will herald a slightly warmer night, in the mid- to upper-50s.

Here’s the NOAA rain accumulation forecast for now through Sunday. (Weather Bell)

Sunday

This will likely be a partly to mostly cloudy day, with highs in the 70s. As the overall flow turns more southerly and the atmosphere more disturbed, we could see the possibility of a few light showers at some point on Sunday or Sunday night or Monday. But this is far from a slam dunk. Sunday night will be warmer, with lows possibly falling only to the lower 60s.

Next week

Our weather turns more humid on Monday and Tuesday, with high temperatures likely pushing up toward 80 degrees. Rain chances look to be modest, but non-zero. At some point, possibly on Wednesday, a front will push through to bring temperatures down. Even so, we are probably looking at nighttime lows around 50 degrees after the front, so it will likely be mildly chilly, rather than cold.