Rare August cold front brings welcome relief to East Texas with a gradual cool-down this week
East Texans can anticipate a rare August cool-down as a continental cold front works its way across the state, bringing a modest drop in temperatures to the Pineywoods over the next several days.
What to expect for temperatures
– Wednesday: A heat advisory remains in effect for much of East Texas. Feels-like temperatures will be well into the triple digits from the Ark-La-Tex region to Houston.
– Thursday: Highs near 94 degrees with heat indices around 103. It will still feel hot, but not as oppressive as midweek.
– Friday: Still warm, but temperatures are trending cooler than earlier in the week.
– Weekend: Some locations could dip into the upper 60s for overnight lows Saturday and Sunday, providing noticeably cooler mornings.
– Late next week: Some medium-range forecasts hint at overnight lows dipping into the mid-60s. The Climate Prediction Center, however, expects a return to above-average heat for most of the first half of September.
Rain and storm chances
– The cold front will bring unsettled weather and a higher likelihood of rain and thunderstorms through Saturday.
– Rain chances: about 60% on Wednesday and Thursday, dropping to around 40% on Friday.
– Storms: A few strong storms are possible, but severe weather is not anticipated. Totals are not expected to exceed an inch in most areas.
What this means for you
– Outdoor plans: Use the cooler mornings and evenings for outdoor activities. Stay hydrated and take breaks in shade or indoors during peak heat.
– Heat safety: Despite cooler highs, heat indices will still be high on the first days of this event, so monitor children and pets, and limit strenuous outdoor work during peak sun.
– Rain readiness: A passing thunderstorm is possible, so keep an eye on local forecasts and have a plan for quick shelter if needed.
In summary, East Texas is in for a brief temperate relief from the summer heat as a rare August cold front moves through, bringing cooler mornings, warm but less oppressive afternoons, and a chance for pockets of rain. A gentle reminder to enjoy the milder weather while staying prepared for another drop back into higher heat in early September. If you’re planning outdoor activities, this is a good window to take advantage of the cooler conditions, but keep an eye on shower chances and heat safety as the week progresses.