As Houstonians brace for what's expected to be an unusually warm holiday week, weather forecasts suggest they'd be better off leaving heavy coats at home. According to the National Weather Service, Houston will experience areas of fog before 11 am today, with high temperatures peaking near 78 degrees. The pattern of cloudy skies and mild south winds carrying humidity will continue through the night, creating conditions ripe for patchy fog after 1 am.
The same source indicates that the following days leading up to Christmas will follow a similar weather pattern, with fog likely before 11 am and highs consistently close to 78 degrees. This isn't a typical scenario for a city just stepping into winter. Even Saturday night might see a slim chance of showers amid mostly cloudy conditions, with only a 20 percent likelihood.
Meanwhile, KPRC 2 reports that this unusual weather might tie Houston's record for the third-warmest Christmas to date. "If we can hit 80, it’ll will be tied for the 3rd warmest Christmas ever!" noted the local weather station, illustrating the extent of this winter anomaly.
As Houston goes about its business, last-minute holiday shoppers can expect to hit the stores in very mild conditions, with the mercury pushing toward the 80-degree mark. Christmas Day, too, is forecast to follow suit with warm and partly sunny skies. However, those wishing for cooler respite might have a glimmer of hope; the KPRC 2 forecast hints at a potential drop in temperatures only arriving come the next Monday, behind an upcoming cold front.
