Matt Lanza

February is not Houston’s prettiest month, at least not recently. In February of 2018, 82% of all observations at Bush Airport reported some degree of overcast skies. “Overcast skies” in this case would be defined as any observation reporting “OVC” for the cloud deck. That could be anything from a high, thin overcast with some sun peaking through to low, gray clouds or fog. Either way, some sort of grayness to the sky.

So far in February of 2019, we’re averaging 85% of observations featuring overcast conditions. Typically in February, Houston averages about 45% of observations with overcast skies. Basically, with the exception of the time right around sunset, it’s been gloomy so far this month for the second year in a row. And this weekend will not help that cause.

Today

Winter is back in force today. How far has the temperature fallen since this same time yesterday morning?

In Houston, we are running about 35 degrees colder than at this same time yesterday morning, starting today in the upper-30s or low-40s. Changes are a little greater north and a little less so south. Temperatures won’t move much today. Expect highs in the low-40s at best with a bit of a gusty north wind continuing.

Cloud cover will dominate today, with perhaps a few sunny breaks if we are lucky. In addition, we could see some sprinkles or light rain, especially along the immediate coast, as well as north of the Houston area, up toward Conroe or Huntsville. Up north, any of that light rain could mix with or even fall as ice pellets (sleet). It would be conversational, not impactful, but a good reminder of where we sit on the calendar.

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Good morning, and happy Friday. Unfortunately, if you came to the blog seeking good news about sunshine and beautiful late winter weather this weekend, we are going to have to direct you elsewhere. It appears that Southeast Texas is going to be under the influence of an unsettled, somewhat dreary weather pattern for several days. But, if you needed a break from the colder weather, you will get that over the next few days as well.

Today

We’ve got a few showers in the Houston area this morning. An occasional, brief heavy downpour is possible.

Be on the lookout for some patchy areas of fog this morning as well. Otherwise, cloud cover should dominate the picture today. We may see a few breaks of sunshine, but I would not be too optimistic at this point. Shower chances may be mostly over after this morning, but we wouldn’t rule out a few showers later this afternoon, mainly west of the Houston area or along the immediate coast.

It will be milder again today, with high temperatures peaking in the mid-60s in most places, though some spots are likely to hit the upper-60s.

Tonight & Saturday

The weather pattern over the next several days will feature quick moving disturbances, none of which look particularly strong. Because of that, trying to time the best rain chances will be a little challenging. Tonight looks mostly dry, but a disturbance passing through on Saturday could set off a few showers or even a thunderstorm. Not everyone will see rain, but some of us could see briefly heavier downpours.

Temperatures will top off around 70 degrees on Saturday afternoon, after beginning the day in the mid- to upper-50s.

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It’s looking like a mostly nice weekend ahead for Houston as we begin to try and dry out some after a very damp few months.

Today & Saturday

After a chilly start today, we should see sunshine and a few high clouds.

As the day progresses, it will be pleasant, with high temperatures likely to get up close to 60 degrees or so. We won’t be quite as cold tonight, as low temperatures dip down into the low- to mid-40s.

On Saturday, a vigorous little disturbance will trek down the Rio Grande Valley. That puts it far enough away from Houston to keep our rain chances pretty low. On Thursday it looked like we only had maybe a 20 percent chance of a shower as this passed by. Today, I might up that to 40 percent that someone (not everyone) sees a few showers late Saturday afternoon or during Saturday evening. Otherwise, we will see a little additional cloud cover, but it should still be partly to mostly sunny most of the day. High temperatures Saturday should sneak above 60° in most spots, with a few mid-60s possible as long as cloud cover is limited and showers hold off til late. Rain totals will be zero for most folks, but perhaps up to 0.25″ south and east of Houston where shower chances are a bit higher.

Sunday & Monday

Once that Rio Grande Valley system exits, we’re left with mostly fair weather for Sunday and Monday. We’re expecting partly to mostly sunny skies on both days. Temperatures on Sunday will warm from the lower or middle 40s in the morning up into the mid-60s during the afternoon. Monday should see us go even a bit warmer. We’ll warm from the upper-40s into upper-60s or even better.

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Over the next 7-10 days, the weather over Southeast Texas will probably agitate those of us that like stability in our seasons. We should see a bit of a roller coaster ride unfold over the area. Let’s jump into details.

Today

Watch out for some changeable visibility this morning. There will be some dense fog near the coast and patchier fog inland through the first part of the morning. We’ll shift to mostly cloudy skies this afternoon, though fog could continue near the bays and coast. There should be a few showers around this afternoon, along with perhaps a rumble of thunder. Look for temps to push toward 70 degrees.

Tonight and Saturday

Our much discussed cold front will make its grand appearance for most us while we’re sleeping. The evening should feature low clouds, humidity, and some drizzle or showers. No serious disruption to Friday night plans here. The main front should sweep through the area from northwest to southeast from about 1 AM through 7 AM. With it, some showers, perhaps a few thunderstorms, and then a big change.

We’ll start the day in the 60s around 5 AM and head toward midday with temperatures in the 40s. We should hold in the 40s for most of the afternoon. With it should be a 15 to 20 mph wind, gustier near the bays and on the coast. It will feel like winter.

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