At last, our long regional nightmare is over: Houston popped the cork on 90 degree days in 2016 on Thursday. Now we’re clear to rack up dozens of them.
It is Official… Houston Intercontinental Airport has reached 90 degrees as of 131 pm!
— NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) June 9, 2016
2016 will go down in history as having the 3rd latest first 90 degree day in Houston, just being edged out by June 12, 1970, and June 15, 1897. Like age, 90° is really just a state of mind around here. It still feels like summer. We will ease into this new reality where 90 degree temperatures can officially occur in Houston as modest rain chances flirt with us through the weekend.
TODAY
I suspect today will be somewhat similar to yesterday, with a scattering of showers or storms around in the afternoon (perhaps a downpour near the coast this morning). Temperatures will top off close to 90 degrees again, though we may fall a bit short. Storm risk today may not be quite as concentrated as we saw south and west of Houston yesterday, where over 2″ of rain fell in a few spots in Wharton, Matagorda, and Colorado Counties. But a few small clusters of showers or storms will be possible.
And just be aware that occasionally this time of year, you could see a brief funnel cloud or (along the bays/Gulf) a waterspout form. Likely nothing serious, but don’t be shocked if you see or hear reports of that occurring.
WEEKEND
A weak disturbance is going to slowly slide across the region. This, coupled with better moisture, should allow for more widely scattered storm chances, especially on Sunday. We’re now firmly in a summertime weather pattern, so it continues to look like very little severe weather risk and more isolated downpours. This shouldn’t be the widespread 2-4″ per hour type rains we’ve grown used to since April. Updated rain totals through the weekend show mainly around 1″ or less. Some may see more, and some may not see much at all.
Clouds and showers will hold temperatures back a few degrees, with mid, maybe upper 80s for highs.
NEXT WEEK
Eric’s thoughts from yesterday still hold true: After Monday, a hotter, drier air mass sets up shop over Texas. It’s been interesting to look at how weather models have been verifying in Texas lately. They’ve been running a bit cooler than reality has been. Next week looks likely to be the first week it really does feel like serious summer here in Houston. Expect a string of 90+ temperatures starting Tuesday or Wednesday, and I wouldn’t rule out risk for a day in the mid 90s during the middle to end of next week either.
90’s don’t bother me much, it’s the 100-105 we’ve had the last few years. If we can steer clear of triple digit heat, that’s a pleasant Houston summer.
Been storming quite hard here in Copperfield for about an hour. Rained sideways for a while. I have no faith left in weather forecasting.