We’re excited enough about the next front to declare Monday “Fall Day”

After a cool start this morning, the Houston region will go right back into the late-summer-like weather we experienced for most of September and the first 10 days of October. However, we’re not going to have to wait as long for relief this time, with a second, stronger cold front arriving early next week. The coming front, in our view, signals the start of “fall” in Houston, so much so that we’re declaring Monday to be a new holiday—”Fall Day.”

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

Southeasterly winds return, and as the Sun comes up on Thursday, so too will temperatures. Look for highs during the next few days to reach around 90 degrees. Rain chances will be near zero on Thursday and Friday, but some slight chances return on Saturday afternoon and evening. We don’t think most of you will see rain.

Sunday

Sunday should still be pretty warm, but our next cool front will march through the region during the midday, afternoon, or evening hours. I don’t think the cool air will be particularly noticeable with the sunny skies during the daytime, but drier air should work its way into the region during the overnight hours.

The GFS model shows the cold front near Houston on Sunday evening. (Weather Bell)

As for rain, we might see some scattered showers as the front works through, and in its aftermath, but again they don’t appear to be anything to write home about.

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Finally, Houston enjoys a dazzling fall morning

Goooooooooood morning, Houston. And truly, it is a good morning. Lows have generally only fallen into the low 60s across the metro area, but the combination of cooler temperatures and significantly drier air has made for pleasant fall conditions. Although this brief fling with fall won’t last too long, if you’ve enjoyed this I’ve got some good news for you later in the forecast.

Today

Fall will hang around for today and tonight—with splendid, sunny skies and highs only reaching about 80 degrees. Low temperatures tonight should fall into the low to mid-60s, except for areas along the coast. Play hooky!

High temperatures on Wednesday. (National Weather Service)

Thursday

With the return of southerly winds later in the day, we’re going to see a corresponding rise in humidity and temperatures. After a cool-ish start to the day, look for highs in the mid- to upper-80s with mostly sunny skies.

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After a record high, Houston will see a short reprieve from the heat

Monday’s high temperature reached 94 degrees in Houston, a remarkably warm day for this time of year, and breaking a record set in 2007. Fortunately a cool front—not a particularly strong front, but a front all the same—is pushing through Houston this morning and will bring us a short reprieve from the summer-like heat.

Tuesday

Winds have shifted to the northwest this morning, and drier, cooler air should filter into the region today. As this air moves down, it may collide with very moist air along the coast to produce some showers and thunderstorms. Areas that do see rain probably will receive a tenth or two, and showers should be short lived. Otherwise, expect highs around 80 degrees under partly to mostly cloudy skies.

Tuesday night/Wednesday morning

I’m posting this special section for the runners, and for the people who want a taste of fall. The period of driest air, with dewpoints falling into the 50s for most of the area, should come only relatively briefly, between about 10pm Tuesday night, and 10am Wednesday morning.

Dewpoint forecast for 7am CT on Wednesday. This is a 20 degrees cooler than recent dewpoints, and when air will feel driest. (Weather Bell)

If you’ve been waiting for some weather to make an extended run, this is it. (I’ll be getting up at 4:30am on Wednesday, and if tomorrow morning’s weather report is delayed an hour or two, this is why).

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Will Houston’s summer never end?

This weekend saw some impressive early October heat. Oh, did I write impressive? I meant oppressive. Especially on Sunday—when the high temperature reached 93 degrees. So far seven of this month’s eight days have seen warmer than normal conditions, which is especially galling at a time of year when many of us are looking forward to cooler fall weather.

October has started out warm for Houston. (National Weather Service)

Monday

We’re going to have one more uncharacteristically hot day on Monday before some moderate relief finally arrives. Highs today may again rise into the low 90s, and another high today of 93 degrees would tie a record high for this date. However, a moderate cool front will reach the northern part of Houston tonight, and should move off the coast by Tuesday morning.

Tuesday

Some moisture will pool ahead of the front, which could lead to some light, scattered showers on Tuesday morning before the front moves offshore. Most areas probably won’t see rain, and those that do probably won’t see more than a tenth or two of an inch of rainfall. Highs Tuesday should only rise into the low 80s, with drier air making the evening and overnight temperatures feel pleasant.

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