What to expect from storms on Friday, a mostly sunny weekend, and a splendid Halloween

Good morning. After a chilly start this morning, Houston will see increasing temperatures and humidity today, which will set up a day with widespread showers on Friday, and a chance of stronger storms. After a front moves through, expect clearing skies this weekend with pleasant highs in the low 70s.

Thursday

Temperatures have fallen to around 50 degrees this morning for much of the metro area. However, with sunny skies and light winds shifting from the northeast to southeast today, we’re likely to see highs climb into the upper 70s. A few areas may see 80 degrees. Low temperatures tonight will be quite a bit warmer, with most of the area falling only to the mid-60s. Humidity will also start to increase noticeably, as moisture surges in from the Gulf of Mexico.

Friday

The upper-level pattern will become much more favorable for storms on Friday, particularly for the southern half of the metro area. I expect the morning to start out mostly cloudy, with fairly scattered, probably mostly light showers. The best chance for stronger storms will come between about noon and sunset, moving from west to east. In terms of rainfall expectations, if you live north of Interstate 10 I would anticipate between 0.5 and 2 inches of rain, and if you’re south it might be on the order of 1 to 3 inches. Some areas will see less, and some more. In areas where stronger thunderstorms set up, there could be some brief street flooding.

Along with the threat of heavy rainfall, there is the potential for strong, gusty winds, and a lesser threat of hail or a few tornadoes. The potential for stronger storms is greatest to the south of Houston, particularly in the Matagorda Bay area. Otherwise, conditions will be muggy on Friday, with temperatures in the low 70s. The front will bring dry air in overnight, with rain chances lessening during the evening hours and dropping off by Saturday morning. If you’re headed to the Astros game, be prepared to dodge some showers on the way in. The roof, needless to say, will likely be closed.

Saturday

After a partly cloudy start on Saturday morning, I expect to see clearing skies. Look for highs around 70 degrees, with moderate northerly winds gusting to perhaps 20 or 25 mph during the afternoon. These winds should fade as evening comes on. Lows Saturday night will drop into the mid-50s in Houston, with cooler conditions inland.

Sunday

This should be a fine weekend day, with reasonably dry air, mostly sunny skies, and highs in the mid-70s. Lows on Sunday night drop into the low- to mid-50s. Enjoy!

Monday

Halloween should be another fine day, with moderately dry air and highs in the mid- to upper-70s. Look for mild trick-or-treating conditions, with temperatures in the upper 60s to 70 degrees. Far from frightful!

Rest of next week

Houston will see a gradual warming trend, with highs getting back to around 80 degrees by Wednesday or Thursday. But it’s not going to be oppressively hot or humid. Lows will rebound into the mid-60s. The next front, and the potential for some rain, may come next weekend. But that’s too far away to forecast with any confidence.