Houstonians are poised to welcome the New Year under a mix of sun and clouds, as forecasters predict a generally mild end to 2023, punctuated by a chance of showers and hazy conditions owing to New Year's Eve celebrations. According to the National Weather Service, the city can expect a sunny day with highs nearing 70 degrees before the weather turns partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers after 3 a.m. and patchy smoke from fireworks likely between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. National Weather Service also anticipates patchy dense fog to form after 2 a.m.
The weather shift comes ahead of a cold front expected to roll over the area on New Year's Day, with the National Weather Service forecasting "areas of fog before 10 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a steady temperature around 59." Residents planning to celebrate the new year outdoors should prepare to potentially have to navigate through some early morning fog before it clears. The rest of the week appears to continue similarly with an "active pattern" of weather conditions, with intermittent showers forecast. Click2Houston reports waves of rain will kick off 2024, setting a soggy stage for the first week of the year.
In contrast to Sunday night's shower potential, the Storm Prediction Center at Norman, OK clarifies that "thunderstorms are not expected on Monday," indicating an absence of any severe weather to disrupt the first day of the New Year across Houston. The frontal system will bring spotty showers throughout southeast Texas before drying out, maintaining "seasonal temperatures" in the wake of the front. The Storm Prediction Center's check-in, assures residents that Monday should remain calm weather-wise.
Looking to the week ahead, forecasts demand attention to multiple chances of rain. Tuesday night in particular is tagged with a 100 percent chance of showers and possible thunderstorms after midnight. And while Wednesday might offer a brief reprieve with a "30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon," the rest of the week is not predicting to let up, offering a carousel of sunny spells and rain clouds through Saturday, as per National Weather Service's extended forecast.
