Showers associated with a low-pressure system have generally moved east of our region, and now we await the arrival of a strong cold front later this afternoon that will be blustery. This will bring a freeze to parts of Houston, perhaps even most of the city, by Tuesday night. I’ll say it—Winter is Coming.
Monday
Temperatures will climb into the upper 50s today before the arrival of a front this afternoon; probably around 1 or 2 pm for central parts of the city and a little later along the coast. For the most part this should be a dry front, with only scattered rain showers, and these will end regardless later this afternoon. From that point temperatures should begin to fall as winds gust above 25mph in the city, and perhaps above 35mph along the coast bringing in chill northerly air. There is a wind advisory in effect from 2 pm Monday through 6 am Tuesday for the coast. It will be blowing out tonight.
Overnight low temperatures should generally remain in the mid- to upper-30s for the Houston area on Monday night, but with the winds it will feel quite cold outside. Wind chill temperatures for Tuesday morning will feel like the 20s for much of the region.
Tuesday
This will be a cold day, with highs likely only in the mid- to upper-40s for most of Houston. All day, winds will blow out of the north bringing chilly air into the region. Skies will become mostly sunny during the daytime, but some thin clouds could redevelop high in the atmosphere during the overnight hours. This, ultimately, will determine how cold temperatures get Tuesday night. The following map represents a reasonable “worst-case” for freezing temperatures in Houston on Tuesday night, assuming mostly clear skies:
As you can see, it’s going to be very cold for this time of year. (The record low for Nov. 14 in Houston is 28 degrees, a mark set in 1969).
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
We should see a moderate warming trend, with mostly sunny skies, for the rest of the work week, with high temperatures around 50 degrees on Wednesday pushing into the mid-60s on Friday. Another light freeze is possible for northern areas on Wednesday night, but we should be in the 40s after that.
Saturday and Sunday
Sunny skies seem most likely to remain in place for the weekend, with highs in the mid-60s and overnight lows in the mid- to upper-40s. This continued absence of rain should allow the more sodden parts of our region a full week in which to really dry out.
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Newish homeowner that’s never had to worry about these things before, but a what point should we cover plants and such?
Cover plants Tuesday afternoon for sure. Sorry to say.
Just wondering g about covering plants and pipes but looking @ your map looks like we will be above freezing in clear Lake. Do u agree? Don’t want to cover if not necessary
Pipes “can” freeze when there are two or more nights in a row below freezing (32F) but usually don’t freeze until the temperature reaches low 20s for several hours in a row.
Plants in pots should be brought in when temps are in low 30’s. A garage is fine, they don’t necessarily need to be in the home. Plants not in pots should be covered in burlap if there is a freeze warning. Especially any tropical flowering plants or trees. Water them in the evening to help them generate energy through the night.
Rebecca, If you have a sprinkler system make sure you cover your pipes that are above ground. You probably have nothing to worry about in the low thirties, but its better to be safe than sorry, and you will be ready if we get lower temps later in the year. http://savewatertexas.org/winterizing-irrigation/
Was on west coast Oct. 28 – Nov. 7…did I miss Fall?!
You missed Summer II . Was in the mid- to upper- 80s and humid a week ago.
It ain’t really Winter until there are at least 4-6″ of snow on the ground and the wind chill is below zero.
Count your weather blessings.
I was going to order a couple of your shirts today, but I can’t find the link. Can you give it to us again, please?
https://www.customink.com/fundraising/scw2018
I remember thinking last year that our first freeze seemed a little early on Dec 8 (which coincidentally happened to have moisture and gave us snow). But second week of November? This means that our leaves could actually change color DURING Fall, instead of January.
Not so much leaves changing around here as going from a fully leaved tree to a bare one in less than a week. “Fall” as in “all fall down at the same time”.