Headline: Houston forecast calls for scattered Friday storms that could affect high school football; Labor Day weekend shower chances linger
A weak late-summer cold front is expected to spark scattered storms Friday across Houston and Southeast Texas, with the potential to delay or even postpone Friday night high school football games. The front’s slow movement means lingering shower and storm chances into the Labor Day weekend, creating a continuing flood risk and a cautious forecast for weekend events.
Friday night forecast and game implications
– Friday starts dry and humid, with morning temperatures near 80 degrees.
– Moisture pooling ahead of the front should raise storm chances by midday, especially north of Interstate 10. The highest odds of storms will be north and east of Houston, including areas from Livingston to Lufkin and Jasper.
– Houston and areas to the south and west are likely to stay drier through the day, but thunderstorms with intense lightning could develop in the more favorable corridor.
– Under UIL rules, thunder heard within 30 seconds of a visible lightning strike requires a delay of at least 30 minutes. The delay clock resets with each new thunder or lightning event, and play can resume only after 30 minutes with no thunder or visible lightning.
– Even if Friday games face delays, most disruptions are expected to end earlier than midnight, so many contests could still proceed on schedule the following day if conditions allow.
Labor Day weekend outlook
– The soft cold front is expected to arrive in Houston on Saturday, with forecast models growing more confident that the main rain chances will peak then.
– Storm chances may occur earlier in the day depending on how quickly the front passes, potentially affecting grilling and outdoor plans but possibly limiting extreme heat if storms roll through early.
– Temperatures Saturday could stay around 90 or 91 degrees, with a few spots dipping lower if clouds and rain move in earlier.
– Sunday looks somewhat drier, though isolated storms remain possible behind the front, especially along and south of I-10. Expect mostly sunny to partly sunny skies in other areas with highs near 88 to 90 degrees.
What this means for residents and event planners
– If you’re heading to games or outdoor events, stay flexible. Have a plan for shelter if a storm approaches, and monitor local forecasts for rapid changes.
– Carry lightweight rain gear and keep an eye on field conditions, which can become slick after showers.
– Local organizers may consider variable start times or alternative schedules if lightning is nearby; delays are possible but longer disruptions are unlikely to be widespread if storms move through quickly.
A note on the bigger picture
– September’s forecast calls for above-normal temperatures across Texas with below-normal rainfall in most areas, except the coast. That said, the upcoming weekend storm chances remind us that tropical-season-like dynamics can bring periods of rain even as heat remains a factor through early fall.
– The weekend outlook offers a silver lining: while rain can interfere with Friday night events, the likelihood is that many games and outdoor activities can proceed or resume once storms pass, potentially giving way to more comfortable conditions later on Sunday or Monday.
Summary and outlook
– A weak cold front will drive scattered storms Friday, with the greatest game-day risk east and north of Houston. UIL guidelines will govern any delays on Friday night.
– The front lingers into the weekend, bringing continued storm chances and a mixed bag of cooler-fill and heat, with Saturday showing the best rain potential and Sunday offering a mainly drier window behind the front.
– Fans and organizers should stay tuned to updates, plan for possible delays, and enjoy what promises to be a weekend with opportunities for relief from heat as well as the occasional thunderstorm.