Houston residents should brace for variable weather conditions as a mix of humidity, showers, and the looming presence of Hurricane Rafael impact the region. According to the National Weather Service, there's a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms this morning, with patchy fog clearing up before 9 a.m. Highs are expected to reach the mid-80s, despite the overcast skies, with the steady companionship of an east wind blowing at 5 to 10 mph.
Temperatures tonight will dip to about 74 degrees under mostly cloudy skies, and the conditions will precede a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Friday afternoon. And if you're planning for your weekend, keep an umbrella close as there's a notable chance for rain, thanks to an incoming cold front that might shift weather patterns across the region. This same front indirectly connects with Hurricane Rafael's trajectory in the Gulf of Mexico, though current predictions from the authorities have ruled out direct impacts to Southeast Texas, pointing instead towards potential elevated rip currents and rough seas.
In light of recent developments, the inclement weather won't likely bring a cooldown. "The front doesn’t look like it makes it all the way through. That’s why you don’t see a change in temperatures early next week," reported Click2Houston. The anticipation of humidity and unrelenting warmth persists into early next week, maintaining Houston's signature climate as residents navigate between raindrops and sunbeams.
Looking further ahead, another cold front might offer some respite from the mugginess next Wednesday, possibly lowering temperatures by the end of next week. Until then, Houstonians might want to prepare for a typical autumnal roulette—sunshine interspersed with rain, a dance with the elements influenced in part by the whims of Hurricane Rafael just off the coast.