Matt Lanza

At least some welcome rain this weekend

Rain has come at a premium in recent weeks, with only about a half inch officially at Bush Airport over the last 30 days. This weekend will likely see us add to that, but probably not in too big a fashion.

Today

No issues today. Yes, there may be a couple showers around this afternoon, especially east of I-45, but none should be particularly significant. So if you have outdoor plans today, it would be good to have an umbrella handy, just in case you briefly need it. Odds are you won’t have to open it though. Temperatures will likely top off around where they did yesterday, the upper-80s to low-90s. Galveston has yet to drop below 80° this morning and is likely to set or tie both another record high and record warm minimum temperature today.

Saturday and Sunday

If you have outdoor plans this weekend, I think the best advice is to just have an umbrella. You’ll probably need it at some point, but not most of the time.

Both Saturday and Sunday afternoons will likely have some rain and storms in the area. I think the better chance of widespread storms is Saturday overnight into Sunday afternoon. Most folks should see at least some rain, but only a few areas will see heavy rain. Average rain totals this weekend should be around 0.5″, but a few places will likely see one or two inches of rain and others less than 0.5″.

Total rainfall through Sunday evening should be manageable. The best chance for widespread rain is late Saturday night through Sunday afternoon. (Weather Bell)

 

High temperatures should max out a couple degrees cooler than yesterday and today, with mid to upper 80s (perhaps near 90° Saturday with enough sun). Overnight lows will be in the mid to upper 70s. You may notice slightly more comfortable weather later Sunday, but it won’t be anything to get too excited about.

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Feeling like summer with low-end shower chances for now

This weather pattern is one that occurs in Southeast Texas fairly often this time of year, and the best word I’ve found to describe it is “annoying.” You have to mention showers, but most people won’t see much. No exceptions this time, as low-end shower chances will be in the picture the next few days. Higher chances for showers exist this weekend. Let’s get to some details.

Today

A quiet start to the morning across the area. If you’re south or east of Houston, you’ve probably noticed gusty winds though. Onshore flow has cranked up, but winds should ease up some this morning.

The bulk of the day will feature a mix of sun and clouds. There could be an isolated shower, primarily north and west of Houston, but I don’t see anything too serious from this.

One model’s depiction of rain chances later today shows just a handful of showers north and west of the city. (Texas Tech University)

 

Expect temperatures to be near to just under where we got yesterday (mid to upper 80s).

(Space City Weather is sponsored this month by Jetco Delivery)

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Basketball season over in Houston, but at least spring lives on

After a disappointing night of basketball, many Houstonians will be seeking positive news this morning (though the crazy exciting Astros beat the Yankees on a thrilling final play). In the weather department, we can satisfy your wishes.

Friday and Weekend

Perhaps some of you were roused from sleep between 1:30 and 3 AM this morning? A leading line of thunderstorms pushed through areas from Houston and north to southeast parts of the region overnight. That has since cleared the coast.

Radar loop ending around 6:15 AM shows storms exiting the coast, as another cold front sweeps through the region. (College of DuPage)

 

We might see an isolated shower or two yet this morning, but the cold front should push through Houston by 7-8 AM. With the front exiting the coast today, expect humidity to drop through the morning and afternoon. Dewpoints should be in the 50s by this evening, which is considered quite comfortable. High temperatures should get safely into the low to mid 80s this afternoon. I wouldn’t be shocked to see upper 80s down near El Campo or Bay City today. Bottom line: Today should be a fine day.

It will be a gorgeous night tonight with lows in the mid-60s. Then we’ll shoot for the lower or middle 80s on Saturday with full sunshine. Sunday will be a repeat of Saturday, but with temps a degree or two warmer (mid to upper 80s) and humidity a tick or two higher. Lots going on in the area this weekend: Puppies for Breakfast at Market Square Saturday morning, Pups to the Pitch for the Dash/Sky Blue match Saturday afternoon, among other things. And the weather looks perfect for all of it!

(Space City Weather is sponsored this month by Jetco Delivery)

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Recent brilliant weather has side benefits too

Let’s face it. We’ve gotten off very, very easy this spring in most of Southeast Texas. It’s been pleasant very often lately, despite a couple days of heat and humidity mixed in. So as we continue on another nice, lengthy stretch of fair weather, let’s quickly review where we are right now.

A Texas Spring Fling

Rainfall amounts haven’t been at all like the last two springs. It also hasn’t been terribly dry either. In fact, precipitation over the last 60 days is averaging just a little above normal in most of the Houston area.

Percent of normal precipitation for the 60 day period ending yesterday shows most of the region in pretty good shape. (NWS/NOAA)

 

It’s a bit drier than normal in patches around the area also, but we’re by no means in drought. Even despite recent dryness near and west of San Antonio, those areas aren’t really in drought either.

And on top of this, temperatures have been sublime at times. Yes, we’ve already hit 90° twice, but let’s be frank: We’ve had multiple days like yesterday and today, and they’ve been amazing. The last two weeks have been especially lovely.

Average temperatures the last couple weeks have not been too far off normal, despite a couple days in the 90s. (High Plains Regional Climate Center)

 

So for most of late April and now early May, rather than drifting into our miserable, stable summer of high humidity and plenty of heat, we’ve only had tastes of it.

(Space City Weather is sponsored this month by Jetco Delivery)

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