Based upon an average of temperatures from 1980 through 2010, which establish so-called “normal” temperatures for the Houston region, the very warmest time of year runs from July 27 through August 20. During this 3.5-week period the average high temperature at Bush Intercontinental Airport is 95 degrees, and the low is 75 degrees. (The comparable period for Hobby is July 22 through August 22). These are the absolute dog days of summer, with hot, humid days, and warm, sultry nights. However, there are some distinct signs that fall is not all that far away, most notably our shortening days—our 13 hour, 37 minute length of day now is nearly 30 minutes shorter than a month ago at the solistice.

Monday

We don’t have great confidence in the forecast for this morning, however we do expect less coverage in showers and thunderstorms than the region saw Sunday, when a few areas south (hello Pearland!) and southeast of the city saw up to 1.5 inches under fairly strong storms. Rain chances today will probably be less than 20 percent, with isolated, mostly short-lived storms. Highs will likely climb into the mid-90s with mostly sunny skies. Lows Monday night will only fall into the upper 70s.

Tuesday and Wednesday

Rain chances will be a little higher on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a bit more of a disturbed upper atmosphere helping to force some lift at the surface. I’d peg rain chances at both days around 40 percent for areas between Interstate 10 and the coast, and 30 percent for inland areas. On average, accumulations will be less than one-half an inch, but there probably will be some outliers that pick up more. Highs in the mid-90s.

See full post

We failed to reach a record low temperature yesterday, our last best chance to do that for awhile. But nevertheless, it certainly has been a nice couple days across Southeast Texas. Keep this one in the memory bank to get you to October. Summer will be returning today and tomorrow.

Today

While today won’t be quite as nice as the last couple days, humidity will only slowly return through the day. Look for an outside chance of a shower or two, mainly along the coast this afternoon. Otherwise, expect low-90s today under blue skies and sunshine.

Weekend

Rain chances return this weekend, but not everyone is going to get wet. Look for scattered showers or storms both Saturday and Sunday afternoons as the sea breeze works inland from the coast. If you are lucky enough to see a thunderstorm, you could see as much as a half-inch to an inch of rain perhaps. Most will see less than that, and others still will see nothing at all.

We really could use some rain. Over the last 30 days, unless you live in places like The Woodlands or Spring or Conroe, you’re probably hurting in the rainfall department.

In Fort Bend County, for instance, you’ve seen 25 to 50 percent of normal rainfall over the last month. So, it’s no secret that we’re hurting for some rain. As always in Texas, be careful what you wish for, but hopefully some of us will cash in with this weekend’s showers.

Outside of any storms, it will be a partly sunny and hot weekend. High temperatures will hit the low- to mid-90s and low temperatures won’t get much past the mid- to upper-70s.

See full post

After officially hitting 68° yesterday morning, Houston has outdone itself this morning. We are down to 66° for a low as of this writing. That’s just 1 degree shy of today’s 125 year old daily record low. Unfortunately, we probably won’t get there now, but we made a valiant effort!

Widespread 60s were recorded across the area this morning. Closer to the coast, we’ve only been able to muster low- to mid-70s, but it still feels better than it normally would this time of year. The last time it was at least this cool in July was back in 1994, when we managed to hit 64° on the 29th.

Rest of today

Look for beautiful weather today once again. We expect wall to wall sunshine with high temperatures approaching 90 degrees, though with much lower humidity than usual for late-July. Today will be an ozone action day unfortunately; when we get these clear, dry air masses this time of year, it allows ozone to form. So consider air quality today “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” and be sure to take it easy if you need to on days such as this.

Friday

Tomorrow will begin our transition back to high summer. Look for another nice day with ample sunshine, but the humidity will slowly increase. Friday morning won’t be as delightful as the prior couple mornings, but it should still only be in the low-70s here in Houston. Look for mid- or upper-70s at the coast, and a few lucky far inland places may start Friday again in the 60s. Afternoon temperatures should be firmly back into the low 90s.

See full post

For July, the weather outside today and tonight will be amazing. Under the influence of gloriously dry air, we’ll see comfortable conditions for the next few days before more summer-like weather returns. We’ll also touch on the tropics in today’s post, although right now we don’t really see anything to worry about.

Wednesday

Temperatures have generally fallen into the low 70s this morning, and despite full sunshine today we don’t expect highs to get much above the upper-80s today. (Normally a mostly sunny day in July would be 5 to 10 degrees warmer). Winds will be out of the northeast at 5 to 10 mph.

Under the influence of this northerly flow, dewpoints this afternoon will be in the 40s (to the west) and 50s (in Houston), which will completely obliterate most of our region’s characteristic humidity. Expect very fine weather this evening, with lows in the upper 60s for inland areas. We may approach the record low temperature for July 24, 68 degrees, at Bush Intercontinental Airport, this evening. Don’t miss the fine weather.

Thursday

Another very fine day, a lot like Wednesday, although probably a touch less dry and a touch more humid.

See full post