And just like that, with the transition from April to May, spring as we knew it is gone. Monday morning’s low temperature across most of Houston fell into the upper 50s. On Tuesday morning, the low has only fallen to around 70 degrees. We certainly will see a few more cool fronts this season, but I doubt we’ll see many (or more probably, any) more highs in the 70s or cooler nights in the 50s. I would love to be wrong—but I don’t think I am.
On Tuesday morning, it’s starting to feel a little bit more like summer out there. (Weather Bell)
Tuesday
Today will be another partly to perhaps mostly cloudy day, as the onshore flow continues to blow moisture into the Houston region. Due to clouds this afternoon, highs will likely remain in the low 80s, but it’s going to be another warmish night, with lows only falling to around 70 degrees.
All good things must come to an end, and we are quickly nearing the end of spring-like weather in Houston. But before the humidity comes to the region for good this summer, we should look back and appreciate the month of April—which had a succession of cool fronts that kept the humidity consistently in check, and mostly kept daytime highs in the 70s and low 80s. Moreover, the majority of nighttime temperatures this month were in the 50s (as can be seen below). After this morning, I’m not sure we’ll see another overnight low in the 50s until September or even October.
High and low temperatures in April at Bush Intercontinental Airport, compared to normals and extremes. (National Weather Service)
Monday and Tuesday
Onshore winds are really going to ramp up today, in response to lower pressures over the western United States. Effectively, this means gusty southerly winds (perhaps up to around 20mph) rising humidity levels, and muggier overnight temperatures. Highs on Monday and Tuesday will probably remain around 80 degrees under partly sunny skies, but overnight temperatures are going to jump up to around 70 degrees as mostly cloudy skies help lock in daytime heat.
We’re beginning to sound like a broken record, I know. But Houston will have a few more amazing days of dry, sunny weather, and cool nights, before this splendid spring begins to fade away. Get thy selves outside!
Friday
If you liked Thursday (and how could you not?) you’ll like Friday as well. A dry cool front will push through this morning, helping to keep our weather pleasant for the weekend, as well. Look for high temperatures around 80 degrees today, with lots of sunshine.
Saturday
Another very nice day. Sunny. Around 80 degrees. Low around 60. Soak. It. Up.
Saturday highs: Sunny, dry and 80. Sign me up! (Pivotal Weather)
Sunday
By later Saturday the onshore flow should kick in, which will lead to some steady warming later in the week. However, Sunday should still see some really nice weather across the region—with high temperatures in the low 80s and mostly sunny skies. Sunday night will be warmer, probably in the mid-60s for Houston, with cooler temperatures north, and warmer south.
The city of Alvin, located south of Houston in Brazoria County, has held the 24-hour rainfall record for the United States since 1979. Tropical Storm Claudette caused significant flooding in July of that year, especially over Alvin, where it dropped a record 42 inches of rainfall in a 24-hour period. However, it appears that recent torrential rainfall that affected the northern half of the Hawaiian island of Kauai was worse. According to preliminary data from a rain gauge near Hanalei, the island received 49.69 inches of rain during a 24-hour period that ended on April 15. (On a personal note, Hanalei is one of my favorite spots in the world. When my wife and I honeymooned there 15 years ago, the place was so beautiful we would later name our first born daughter Analei).
A National climate committee will now examine this data, in context with other sources, to determine the validity of this extreme rainfall record. I suspect it will stand.
Hanalei experienced major, widespread flooding during heavy rains in mid-April. (US Coast Guard)
Now, let’s discuss Houston’s weather. Where the outlook remains very pleasant for the next several days.
Thursday and Friday
A cold front moved through Houston on Wednesday night, and although the rain showers associated with it petered out before reaching most of the region, the front is as strong as advertised. Skies should clear this morning, and that will lead to two exceptional days to end the work week, with highs near 80 degrees, lows in the 50s for inland areas, and 60s closer to the coast.
