Houston residents might want to soak up the last bit of sunlight today before a series of upper-level disturbances brings a chance of showers starting Thursday night, threatening to disrupt last-minute holiday travel plans. The Houston Chronicle reports a high-pressure system that's kept the skies clear will give way to warming temperatures and the possibility of rain through the end of the week.
The National Weather Service predicts a mostly sunny Wednesday, with a gradual clearance leading to a high near 68 degrees. However, the situation is expected to shift as clouds gather on Thursday and rain chances ramp up by the weekend. According to NWS forecasts, travelers could be facing a 60% chance of precipitation on Saturday, including showers and possibly a thunderstorm, rising to an 80% on Sunday with showers and likely thunderstorms.
In the absence of severe thunderstorms, the NWS Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, does not forecast any tumultuous weather, but isolated thunderstorms are on the radar across coastal California and southern Arizona for Thursday. The NWS highlight that "Isolated thunderstorms are expected across coastal portions of central and southern California, as well as southern Arizona, on Thursday," as stated in their recent discussion.
With multiple upper-level systems expected to converge over the Southwest this weekend, travel could get messy. A developing surface low pressure near the Texas Panhandle has the potential to complicate weather predictions, especially for Christmas Eve. Despite uncertainty looming over the forecast, the chance for rain persists with both European and American models hinting at wetter conditions. The Houston Chronicle notes that while "A few stronger storms cannot be ruled out Sunday... widespread severe weather is unlikely."
Looking toward Christmas Day, the forecast remains unclear. Houstonians may need to brace for showery conditions amid the festive celebrations. Current predictions suggest temperatures hovering around the 70-degree mark, keeping things warmer than average. With forecasts apt to shift, keeping an eye on the latest weather updates could spare residents from unexpected downpours, according to the Houston Chronicle.
