Two clusters of thunderstorms developed this afternoon south of Houston—one near Sugar Land and the other Friendswood. These storms have produced isolated areas of 1 to 2 inches of rain and some reports of hail.

A larger area of storms associated with a boundary is moving from the northeast toward the Houston metro area. Some of the forecast models have indicated these storms will weaken as they approach Houston, but if anything they seem to be strengthening a little. If they hold together these storms will bring a good chance of rain to much of the area, especially east of downtown, beginning at around 7pm. Strong winds are also a threat.

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After a couple of brutally hot days—96 and 97 degrees, respectively—we can expect more of the same today. The heat will break a bit later this weekend, however.

FRIDAY

High pressure will dominate again today, pushing highs into the upper 90s with mostly sunny skies. A heat advisory remains in effect due to the very warm weather.

SATURDAY

On Saturday temperatures will again be warm in the mid- to upper-90s, and the heat advisory remains in effect. However as high pressure retreats to the west, some slight rain chances are possible to the east of Interstate 45.

SATURDAY NIGHT through MONDAY

With high pressure weaker, and Houston open to the Gulf of Mexico, we’ll see some better rain chances beginning Saturday night and running into Sunday and possibly Monday. I don’t think we’re going to see any kind of significant flooding, but much of the area may well see one-half to as much as one inch of rain in total, and that will not be unwelcome to the area’s lawns and trees. Some brief, gusty winds are also possible.

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Good morning. High pressure reigns so it’s going to be hot and sunny. The end.

OK, seriously, that is probably enough of a forecast to get you through the next three days. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Thursday, and it’s likely to remain in effect through Saturday as high temperatures remain in the mid-90s (we climbed to 96 degrees on Wednesday) with high humidity, pushing the heat index as high as 105 to 108 degrees. Not much more to say other than take care outside in these extremely warm conditions.

SUNDAY-TUESDAY

By Saturday night or so the high pressure driving our weather should retrograde back to the west as a very strong ridge builds over the southwestern United States. This should allow a more northeasterly flow of air into the greater Houston region, increasing cloud coverage and moderating temperatures a bit. Instead of highs in the mid- to upper-90s we’ll be in the low-90s, and overnight lows should be in the mid-70s.

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Good morning. Summer has clearly arrived in Houston when the morning low is about 80 degrees, and relative humidity is above 90 percent. Another feature of summer is possible tropical activity, and you may hear some talk of a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico later this week, or during the weekend. But it’s not something I’d be too concerned about as a resident of Texas.

TODAY-SATURDAY

Summer-like conditions continue, with about four more days of highs in the mid-90s, mostly sunny skies, and rain chances near zero. Don’t really need to say more when we’re under this kind of influence from high pressure. Beware of afternoon heat indices near 105 degrees.

SUNDAY-TUESDAY

By Saturday or so the high pressure over Texas should move back west, anchored more over Colorado and the southwestern United States.

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