As Houston welcomes a stretch of serene weather, it's all sunshine and sweater weather for locals, with today's forecast promising clear skies and a high near 55. The National Weather Service indicates a gentle northwest wind, adding a whisper of chill to the day. But don't get too comfy in that knitted pullover; temperatures are set to slowly climb, hitting the mid-70s by Tuesday.
The frigid morning that had Houstonians reaching for their warmest layers is about to slowly and surely give way to more forgiving temperatures. The National Weather Service Houston confirmed in a post from X that after today's cold start, sunshine will prevail with a cozy afternoon ahead followed by another brisk evening. The mercury is expected to rise even higher come tomorrow, a pleasant turn for Washington's Birthday, with highs aiming near 64.
After a cold start this morning, expect a sunny and cool afternoon followed by another cold night. Milder with continued sunshine on Monday.
— NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) February 18, 2024
Enjoy the sweater weather while it lasts! #HOUwx #BCSwx #GLSwx #TXwx pic.twitter.com/zFwb5xrvlX
However, while Houston basks in its calm winter reprieve, a markedly different narrative is unfolding on the west coast. The Storm Prediction Center casts a contrasting shadow with its announcement of a "slight risk of severe thunderstorms" set to stir the Central Valley of California. A rouge of thunder and an isolated tornado threat loom over the region for Monday afternoon into the early evening, signaling a stark juxtaposition to Houston's tranquil skies.
The night skies in Houston are expected to remain mostly clear as the week progresses, although they're to eventually be speckled with clouds come Wednesday night. It's almost as if to remind us that even the most serene spans can be, without much preamble, dotted by change. Thursday's forecast points to partly sunny conditions with a high near 81, introducing a brief warm spell before another sunny day on Friday with highs cooling back down to the mid-70s. Buckle up, Houston, as it's a mild rollercoaster of winter temperatures ahead, indeed.
