Houston's winter weather is shaping up to be a mixed bag this week with temperatures on the rise ahead of a potentially wet Christmas, as outlined by the Houston Chronicle. While Tuesday started with a chill, hitting the lower 40s, especially north of Conroe, things are quickly warming up. The shift to southeast winds is hauling in tropical air, pushing night-time lows five to eight degrees higher than the morning's lows.
By Wednesday, Houston is expected to hit highs in the upper 60s with the rising temperatures continuing through Friday, possibly reaching around 70 degrees. Despite this warming trend, the skies will likely grow cloudier, with the National Weather Service forecasting mostly cloudy conditions by the weekend. Rain chances are also on the horizon, with a series of upper-level disturbances anticipated to bring showers right before the holiday.
The weather might add a complication for last-minute holiday travelers. "Confidence is increasing that the last few days leading up to Christmas are going to be pretty soggy," according to the Houston Chronicle. While rain shouldn't be constant from Friday through Sunday, travelers should stay flexible with their plans. Early forecasts estimate up to 3 inches of cumulative rainfall through Christmas Day.
What's more, those dreaming of a white Christmas will need to keep dreaming, as no severe thunderstorm areas are forecasted according to the Storm Prediction Center. With, the eastern part of the country under the grip of a dry continental air mass, Houstonians can expect only isolated lightning flashes in the southwest, rather than a sleigh ride through the snow.
