Normal winter weather this week in Houston, with a cold weekend ahead

The region’s latest cold front made a dramatic entrance on Sunday night, dropping anywhere from 0.25 to 1.5 inches of rain across the region as it pushed through. The rain was largely welcome, as Houston had yet to see much precipitation in 2018, and little is expected for much of the rest of this week. Instead, we can expect a steady diet of mostly clear, mostly cool winter-like weather. The weekend weather turns colder.

Monday and Tuesday

High pressure should assert control over Houston’s weather, allowing skies to clear later this morning. Although high temperatures should rise into the low 60s, brisk, northerly winds will make it feel chilly outside. Winds should begin to subside later this evening, and overnight lows will dip into the mid-40s—near normal for this time of year. Tuesday should be a nice day, with less wind and similar temperatures (highs in the 60s, lows in the 40s) beneath mostly sunny skies.

Wednesday

As the onshore flow resumes we can expect warmer conditions on Wednesday, with high temperatures rising to near 70 degrees, and the return of some clouds. Overnight lows Wednesday will remain warm-ish, in the 50s for inland areas, and lower 60s along the coast.

Thursday

There will be a chance of rain on Thursday ahead of a cold front, with the best chances off to the east of the region. All in all, I’d expect a relatively stable air mass to keep this frontal passage a relatively calm affair compared to the thunder and lighting of Sunday night, and most people can probably expect a tenth or two of an inch of rain—if that. Highs should reach nearly to 70 degrees under mostly cloudy skies before the front moves through.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

If you’ve been reading any of my posts about the Houston Marathon weather (Sunday, January 14th), you know we’ve been forecasting colder-than-normal weather. And that’s just what we’re going to get for the weekend ahead. With Thursday’s front, combined with an infusion of cold air later on Saturday, we can expect highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s under mostly sunny skies.

Right now, Sunday morning itself looks coldest, with a light freeze possible for the northern half of the Houston metro area. If you’re running (or volunteering) for the marathon, I’d recommend cold weather gear including gloves. At least there will be no rain.