This summer in Houston has been unusually mild regarding heat alerts, as the region has not issued a single alert by early August for the first time since 2014. This trend is particularly notable, considering the city’s recent summers have been characterized by extreme heat.
The current weather pattern is influenced by a weak cold front that generated storms over the weekend, particularly across Harris County. As the front dissipates, storm chances will remain, primarily driven by warming temperatures and sea breeze effects. The most favorable time for scattered storms this week is expected on Monday afternoon, particularly along and north of Interstate 10, with the possibility of brief street flooding and gusty winds.
Throughout the week, temperatures in Houston are anticipated to stay near the mid-90s, possibly peaking in the upper 90s midweek, with heat indices making it feel even hotter at 100 to 104 degrees. Morning lows are projected to hover around 77 to 79 degrees, maintaining a warm and muggy atmosphere.
Interestingly, since the early-season heat wave in mid-May, only one heat advisory has been issued for the region, marking a stark contrast to the past decade’s trends. Houston has only experienced two days of 100-degree temperatures this summer, aligning it with the cooler summers of 2003 and 1987. This shift is largely attributed to increased cloud cover, which averaged over 55% in June and July and contributed to rain that alleviated extreme heat.
Overall, while summer weather typically brings high temperatures, the pattern this year has presented a refreshing reprieve, showcasing how weather dynamics can fluctuate over time. With rainfall expected to continue intermittently, residents can find some relief from the summer heat, adding a silver lining to the hot months ahead.