Sizzling hot and bone-dry conditions expected in Houston today, with temperatures soaring into the nineties. However, forecasts predict a shift towards rainy conditions by the weekend.
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a trough of low pressure located over the panhandle of Florida, which is expected to move westward into the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. While this tropical development is anticipated to bring rain to the Gulf Coast over the weekend, its impact on the immediate Houston area is expected to be minimal, at least until Friday and Saturday.
For now, expect the possibility for more downpours in the Houston area on those days, with rain chances increasing on Friday, especially east of Interstate 45. West of I-45, chances are under 50%. Rain accumulations for wet areas might be around 0.5 inches, with some localized heavier spots possible.
Until then, the weather in Houston will remain hot and muggy, with temperatures reaching the 100s in the afternoon on Wednesday and highs in the mid to upper 90s on Thursday, under mostly sunny skies. The air in Houston remains very warm and humid, a common feature for late July in the city.
In contrast, the Texas Hill Country is forecasted to have mostly sunny, dry, and hot conditions through the rest of the week, with high temperatures generally in the mid-90s. The trough is not expected to significantly impact the Texas Hill Country weather conditions.
Regarding the tropical development in the Gulf, there is currently about a 40% chance of tropical formation within the next 7 days. However, the Weather Prediction Center has lowered the risk of any excessive rainfall impacting Houston directly. Most models show slow development of the system and a relatively weak low south of New Orleans by Thursday.
Looking ahead to the weekend, Houston will see slightly elevated rain chances on Friday and Saturday because of tropical moisture, especially on the east side. By Sunday, high pressure is expected to build, leading to mostly sunny and hot conditions. Expect highs in the mid- to upper-90s with only about a 10% chance of afternoon showers related to the sea breeze. This pattern is typical for late July in Houston.
Outdoor activities should be possible with cautious optimism on Saturday, as rain chances decrease to about 30%, again higher to the east, but overall rainfall accumulations should be slight. However, residents are advised to stay updated on the tropical development and any potential changes to the forecast.
In summary, Houston will see slightly elevated rain chances on Friday and Saturday because of tropical moisture, especially on the east side, but by Sunday, hot, dry weather will return as high pressure builds and tropical impacts lessen in the immediate Houston area.
- The Weather Prediction Center's lowered risk of excessive rainfall means that the business and health sectors in Houston may have less disruption due to the tropical development in the Gulf.
- Despite the tropical development in the Gulf of Mexico, the Texas Hill Country will experience hot and dry conditions, providing an ideal setting for outdoor activities like hiking or agriculture.
- As the trough moves westward, it may bring heavy rain to areas east of Interstate 45 in Houston by Friday, potentially impacting local health services and businesses.
