After Monday’s reprieve, summer-like weather returns

It would be wrong to say Monday’s weather in Houston was pleasant, but after a weak surface front moved through the region Monday evening was certainly “July nice.” The change was subtle, but dewpoints dropped a few degrees, with temperatures following suit. The result was just about as nice an evening in July as you’re ever likely to experience. It won’t last—the boundary is already washing away—but it’s also reminder that fall is only a couple of months away.

Tuesday

The passage of the front on Monday also spurred scattered, but in some cases fairly strong storms along and north of Interstate 10. Today the focus should shift closer to the coast, with some isolated to scattered showers popping up during the afternoon and early evening hours along with the sea breeze. (They will not be as intense as Monday). Otherwise, we should see mostly sunny skies today, with highs in the lower 90s, and winds shifting to come from the southeast.

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday

As we get deeper into the week rain chances may improve a little bit on Wednesday and Thursday. Why? Because atmospheric moisture levels should rise a little, and our region won’t be directly under the influence of high pressure. I don’t think overall rainfall accumulations will be high, but I think you’ll have about a 40 percent chance or so of seeing a shower on each of these days, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours. Highs will be in the low 90s, with a mix of sunshine and clouds.

Saturday and Sunday

At this point, although the forecast remains subject to change, the weekend looks reasonably nice for Houston. I think we’ll see partly to mostly sunny skies, with highs generally in the low 90s. With the humidity, of course, it will still feel plenty hot. Both days will be subject to the potential for some passing showers and thunderstorms, but I’d peg overall chances at about 30 percent each day. So yeah, we’re cautiously optimistic about outdoor activities this weekend.

Next week

Rain chances may begin to increase by Monday or Tuesday of next week as our atmosphere turns a little more unsettled, but I don’t think we’re looking at anything too crazy in terms of accumulations. Matt will have more for you on the tropics in a post later today, and the news on that front remains positive.