Houston likely seeing last lows in the 40s for six months

Most of the region has dropped into the 40s this morning—so far Bush Intercontinental Airport has fallen to 46. We’re still well off record lows (38 degrees, officially, for Houston) but these temperatures are still a good 10 to 15 degrees below normal. I feel reasonably confident in predicting that Houston will not see temperatures this cold again for six months. However, we will have one more nearly as cold night tonight, so with summer in mind, please do enjoy it.

Wednesday

If you liked Tuesday, Wednesday should be similar after a reinforcing front moved through. Highs likely will reach about 70 degrees with winds subsiding to 5 to 10 mph this afternoon out of the north. Low temperatures tonight will probably drop down to within a couple of degrees of Tuesday night’s lows, with clear skies and light winds.

Thursday

Another very pleasant spring day for the region. However, as high pressure shifts to the east, winds will swing around to return from the Gulf, and there will be a slight uptick in humidity during the afternoon hours. Highs Thursday will probably reach the mid- to upper 70s under sunny skies, with overnight lows in the 60s.

Friday

Clouds return on Friday along with increased humidity. We can probably expect high temperatures in the low 80s. A cold front will approach the region later on Friday during the evening hours, but it probably will be running out of cold and dry air as it sputters out over the region. I don’t think it will produce much sensible cooling, but it will probably set the stage for a wet weekend.

Saturday and Sunday

This weekend’s forecast is still up in the air—both literally and figuratively. That dying front will pull back away from the region on Saturday, and that’s when the questions really begin. The receding front, in concert with a disturbed, moist atmosphere will combine for a pretty healthy chance of rain showers over the region. However, we can’t really say when or where on Saturday and Sunday. We face likely, widespread totals of 0.25 to 1 inch, and the potential for some bullseyes of 3 or more inches. But at this time there is just no confidence in those totals or any details. We can be more certain of highs in the low 80s with warm nights.

Next week

A weak front should bring drier air and sunny skies for the first couple of days next week, with the potential for more storms by early Wednesday or so.