The region’s first real heat of the year arrives during the next couple of days

In brief: After near to below-normal temperatures for much of the last 30 days in Houston, the pendulum swings warmer again. We will have our first flirtation with highs of around 90 degrees by Thursday, although a nice front arrives to usher spring-like weather back into Houston this weekend.

Early season heat

If you remember about a month ago, the city experienced a sold week of high temperatures in the low- to mid-80s during the first 10 days of February. During that time we set several record highs, as well as record warm nighttime temperatures. This spell was followed by a much colder second half of the month. Now, we are about to take another step up in temperatures for a few days this week, with highs in the upper 80s. The record highs for both Thursday and Friday in Houston are 88 degrees, and we’re going to make a run at those records both days. Could someone hit 90 degrees? Some areas to the southwest of Houston definitely have a chance on Thursday.

Wednesday

We’re seeing some patchy fog across the region this morning, but it will burn off as temperatures rise today. Houston will not be as warm today as it will be on Thursday and Friday, but highs should still reach the lower 80s away from the coast, with mostly sunny skies. There is a slight chance of some showers later this afternoon or evening, in association with a weak front. However, chances are low, and likely to be confined to areas north of Highway 105. The most notable feature today will be winds from the south at about 15 mph, with occasional gusts up to 30 mph.

If you’re heading to the rodeo expect temperatures in the upper 70s early this evening. Those winds I mentioned will be peaking late this afternoon and into the early evening, so expect a fairly stiff breeze as you’re moving about. Winds will have died down a little bit after the show, but only a little. Expect temperatures of about 70 degrees late this evening, dropping into the mid-60s by Thursday morning.

Thursday

The combination of some briefly drier air and a warm southerly flow will allow high temperatures to really pop on Thursday. With sunshine, I expect most of Houston to reach the upper 80s, with possibly a few southwest locations reaching 90 degrees for the first time. Lows on Thursday night will again be mild, in the mid-60s.

Friday

This will be another warm day. How warm depends on the extent of cloud cover, but I expect most of Houston to once again get into the mid- to upper-80s. Lows Friday night will drop into the low- to mid-60s again.

Saturday and Sunday

The arrival of a front on Saturday morning (likely with no rain, or very light showers at the most) will set up a splendid weekend. We’re talking dry air and highs in the 70s, and overnight lows around 50 degrees. Saturday may be a little windy with the front’s arrival, but I’m hopeful that gusts will only peak around 20 mph. In any case it should be a gorgeous, spring-like weekend.

Next week

We’ll warm up back toward 80 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday before another front swings through to keep the spring party going during the second half of next week. There’s not a strong signal for rain with the mid-week front, but at this point, who can say?