Winter-like weather coming for Houston, but a not-so-festive weekend looms

Good morning. I hope everyone had a great weekend—although a tad warm for this time of year, the weather was mostly pleasant for both Saturday and Sunday. More winter-like weather is coming, however.

Today

Storm conditions are only marginally favorable for Houston today, and as expected most of the development has been well to the north-northeast of the region in areas such as Lufkin. It appears as though a capping inversion remains in place over the city, and this should limit storm activity this morning. Some areas should see scattered rain showers, however.

By early this afternoon some drier air will move in along with a weak cool front, which should clear our skies and allow temperatures to rise into the low 80s for much of the area. Although warm, this drier air will also allow the region to cool off fairly quickly this evening, with temperatures falling into the upper 50s north of Houston tonight, and lower 60s closer to the coast.

Tuesday

After a cool start we’ll see another fairly warm day Tuesday as the weak front washes out, with highs in the upper 70s to 80 degrees. By Tuesday afternoon we should see a modest increase in rain chances as a stronger cool front approaches, and moves through the area sometime on Tuesday evening or night. I’m not looking for much more than a broken line of showers and storms with this stronger front. The front’s passage should be noticeable with drier air moving in behind.

A well defined front moves through on Tuesday evening, per the GFS model. (Weather Bell)
A well defined front moves through on Tuesday evening, per the GFS model. (Weather Bell)

See full post

After a mild holiday and weekend, Christmas-like weather next week?

Happy Thanksgiving! Today’s a great day to appreciate what we’ve got, and Matt and I are truly thankful for our families, and for the faithful and generous community of readers we have here. Now, a quick forecast.

Today

We’re going to see almost perfect conditions for Thanksgiving, from a cool morning to sunny skies this afternoon with high temperatures in the mid-70s. Enjoy the great weather.

Friday and Saturday

Wednesday’s front will move back onshore later on Thursday and will bring some moderately higher moisture levels into the Houston region on Friday. This may produce a few scattered showers along the coast, especially to the southwest of Houston, but for the most part Houston should see partly to mostly sunny skies. Meanwhile a reinforcing short of cooler, drier air will move into the area on Friday, setting the stage for two days in the low 70s, with low temperatures in the 40s north of the area, and mid-50s close to the coast. More great weather.

Drier, northeasterly air will provide for pleasant conditions on Friday and Saturday. (earth.nullschool.net)
Drier, northeasterly air will provide for pleasant conditions on Friday and Saturday. (earth.nullschool.net)

See full post

A line of storms this morning will give way to a beautiful afternoon

Good morning. A line of showers is moving through Houston this morning bringing some moderately heavy rainfall—but nothing too severe. The storms are moving at a good enough clip that they should not produce flooding issues. A front, with significantly drier air, is following just behind and will make for a lovely Thanksgiving.

Today

The storms should move through the area by around 10 am and be off the coast shortly thereafter. In their wake we should see a pleasant afternoon, with highs in the mid-70s and sunny skies. Temperatures will drop off fairly quickly this evening.

The radar as of 6:50am CT. (Intellicast)
The radar as of 6:50am CT. (Intellicast)

See full post

Storms possible late today northwest of Houston

Good morning. Storms are possible later today, but our best guess is that they’ll probably skirt the metro Houston area and remain to the northwest. Thanksgiving looks quite pleasant in the wake of a moderate front.

Today

It’s generally in the mid-60s across the Houston area today, quite warm for late November. Along with warmer mornings, we’re going to see some other key differences today in weather that augur the potential for storms later. Winds will pick up out of the south later by this afternoon, possibly gusting up to about 20mph. We’ll also see more cloud cover later today, an indication of rising moisture levels.

Meanwhile a strong disturbance over the southwestern United States will move east, toward Texas today. For our northwestern region, including the College Station area, the combination of daytime heating and the disturbance will create conditions favorable for some severe weather this afternoon through about midnight, or shortly before. There may be enough rotation to produce some isolated tornadoes and hail, but the primary threat is probably severe thunderstorms. (Fortunately daytime temperatures only in the mid-70s may limit some of the severity of storms). Here’s where NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center says the biggest threat will come later today:

(NOAA)
Severe weather outlook for Tuesday. (NOAA)

See full post