The reality of summer sets in for Houston

Seven of the last 10 days of June had high temperatures of 90 degrees or below—perhaps offering a false hope that summer doesn’t get so hot in Houston. Alas, July has disabused us of this notion, with highs of 94, 94, 95, and finally 96 degrees on July 4th. This is summer as we know it in Houston, and not a whole lot will change over the next week aside from some increasing rain chances.

Wednesday and Thursday

The region will see some slight rain chances today and Thursday as the boundaries between air masses collide overhead. But while moisture levels in the atmosphere are creeping back up, they’re not particularly high for this time of year so don’t expect any kind of a washout. I suspect that some areas may see a quick tenth of an inch of rain, or two, but a lot of the area won’t see any rainfall at all during the next two days. Look for highs in the mid-90s, with overnight lows in the upper-70s.

Friday through the weekend

Houston will fall into a typical summertime pattern, with highs in the mid-90s, lows in the upper 70s, and modest chances for afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Essentially, these sea breeze driven storms will bring rain for 20 to 30 percent of the area, but for the most part our days will be hot and mostly sunny.

Next week

Honestly, conditions at this time don’t appear likely to change much next week, with highs lingering around the low- to mid-90s, and chances for afternoon storms.

Tropics

Expect to hear some noise about Tropical Storm Don forming this week in the Atlantic tropics, and it is indeed likely to happen. Don may eventually become a hurricane, but it is very unlikely to threaten North America. It may eventually be a problem for Bermuda.

In any case, the Gulf of Mexico seems likely to be quiet over at least the next week or so. But if you’ve followed hurricanes for any period of time, you’ll know the peak for Texas doesn’t come until August and early September so this doesn’t mean much.

Posted at 7:30am CT on Wednesday by Eric