Houston residents can expect scattered showers and some thunderstorms today and Saturday, offering a much-needed respite from the dry conditions that have gripped the area. Despite the possibility of moisture, the overall weather pattern is setting up for a pleasant stretch in the coming days, with cool fronts reinforcing comfortable autumn temperatures. Notably, the first significant front of the season may arrive just in time for Halloween.
So far, October has been exceptionally warm, with Houston registering one of its top ten warmest starts to the month. Other cities across the Midwest and Southeast are experiencing similar warmth; Chicago is also in the top ten warmest, while Atlanta, Miami, and St. Louis are seeing notable temperatures as well. While the West remains cooler and the East is near average, the central United States maintains its warm trend, though changes may be on the horizon.
As for temperatures, the sensor at Bush Airport, which serves as Houston’s official reading for temperature, has been replaced this week. Although the sensor was providing expected readings, feedback from the public led to its replacement. This new sensor is expected to provide a more accurate representation of the temperature in the Houston area, adding clarity to the ongoing discussions about the official temperature measurements in the region.
Today through Sunday, scattered showers will continue throughout the Houston area, offering a chance for some much-needed rainfall. The drought coverage in the region has expanded to nearly 40%, with severe drought conditions now extending into parts of Colorado and Wharton Counties. Residents are encouraged to view any rain as fortunate, with the likelihood of rainfall increasing as temperatures rise throughout the day. Showers are expected to favor inland areas, possibly accumulating between a quarter and half-inch of rain.
On Saturday, morning showers are likely, initially concentrated near the coast and westward toward Katy and Fort Bend County. Activity should shift eastward by midday. While an umbrella is advisable for outdoor plans on both days, it is expected that rainfall will not be continuous throughout the day. Although there is a slight risk of severe weather north of Houston, the city itself will likely see only brief rain showers without significant impact.
As the front approaches on Sunday morning, conditions are expected to change with a drop in humidity and temperatures, resulting in a breeze and sunshine with highs in the upper 80s. Although a wildfire risk has been noted for Sunday afternoon, it remains manageable compared to previous instances this autumn.
Looking ahead to early next week, Monday is forecasted to be sunny and pleasant, with highs again in the upper 80s and morning lows cooler in the 50s and 60s. Another front may enhance this comfortable air mass on Tuesday night, although significant precipitation is unlikely.
As the week progresses, there is potential for a weaker cold front, but the more notable fall front is anticipated closer to Halloween. This means that Houstonians can either look forward to celebrating the arrival of fall or the build-up to it next weekend. Stay tuned for updates as meteorological models continue to refine the forecast.