Houston residents are in for a mixed bag of weather this week, starting with a reasonably gentle intro and building up to what could be a tempestuous end. According to National Weather Service, today's conditions are mostly sunny with highs topping off near 67 degrees - that's apparently with a northeast wind flipping to southeast in the afternoon.
Come nightfall, the skies will cloud over as temperatures take a slight dip to the mid-50s. The city will not qualify for relief just yet, as Wednesday is expected to be mostly cloudy, skirting to a high near 69 degrees. There's a "40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Southeast wind around 10 mph." stated an update from the National Weather Service, possibly kicking off an abbreviated period of unsettled weather.
Thursday is aiming to ratchet up the theatrics with forecasts calling for an 80% chance of precipitation including showers and possibly a thunderstorm starting in the morning. The high will be near 72 degrees, so at least Houstonians won't have to layer up too much amidst the downfall. After the daytime deluge, Thursday night also maintains that "80% chance of precipitation" tag, but showers and a possible thunderstorm will be taking a bow before 8 p.m.
Friday shapes up to be partly sunny with a high creeping up to 74 degrees. By Friday night, the clouds will likely part ways, making room for mostly clear skies and a low settling around the upper 50s. In the same vein, the weekend is anticipated to be predominantly sunny with highs in the mid-70s.
The National Weather Service warns of a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms next Monday, paired with mostly cloudy conditions and a high near 77. In further detail, the Storm Prediction Center indicates a marginal risk of severe thunderstorms late Wednesday afternoon and evening in regions extending beyond Houston.
They've pointed out the potential for severe hail and wind, as thunderstorm clusters could be galvanized by a series of disturbances emanating from the higher latitudes ensuing across the southern Great Plains. The specifics hinge on complex atmospheric interactions, including the interplay of a cyclonic vorticity center and an elevated mixed layer limiting low-level moisture return off the Gulf.
The NWS Houston notes, "Enjoy the fair weather, our next chance at rain comes Thursday!"
A chilly morning makes for afternoon highs 5-10° below average today. The weather will be fair, with increasing clouds later on. This will keep tonight from getting quite as chilly, with lows more in the 50s.
— NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) March 19, 2024
Enjoy the fair weather, our next chance at rain comes Thursday! pic.twitter.com/vvGknNM5D4
