The city of Houston is gearing up for a colder spell this weekend, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 63 today, accompanied by north winds around 15 mph, gusting as high as 30 mph, as reported by the National Weather Service. Runners participating in Sunday's marathon will face chillier conditions with the temperature expected to hover around 60 degrees and north winds around 10 mph, with possible gusts up to 20 mph, adding an extra challenge to their race. More on Houston's weather can be found at the National Weather Service website.
Winter is asserting its presence once more in Houston after a front that brought temperatures down from a record heat in the 80s earlier this week, creating a stark juxtaposition as the proverbial pendulum swings from warmth to winter's bite, many Houstonians will likely reminisce over the brief reprieve from the cold as this transition shunts balmy air for a reminder that January's chill can still grip the Gulf Coast, echoing the sentiments of a performer at this year's Houston Rodeo who might have sung about embracing conditions with arms wide open. The Houston Chronicle reports that "Thanks to mostly cloudy skies, many locations started their Saturday in the upper 40s to lower 50s — closer to normal, but still slightly above."
Those braving the outdoors Saturday faced the coldest conditions of the weekend with gusts reaching 25 to 30 mph at times, making it feel colder than the thermometer would suggest. Runners preparing for Sunday's marathon might welcome the slightly less severe weather, but will still need to dress accordingly for the brisk conditions. The Houston Chronicle notes that additional atmospheric moisture could lead to "overrunning," where warm and moist air rises up and over cold, dense air at the ground, possibly causing misty showers, especially between Houston and the Gulf Coast, while at the very least, maintaining cloudy skies through the first half of the weekend.
The start of the week appears less daunting for those weary of the wind and chill, with partly sunny skies and highs around 60 degrees, the National Weather Service forecasts a gradual warming trend with the likelihood of a sunny Wednesday and a high near 69 degrees, granting a reprieve from the weekend's whims of winter before marathoners and spectators alike, who by this time might have woven tales of battling the elements during what some might call a classic Houston winter's day. The forecast for the coming days after the event projects more consistent weather: sunny days and clear nights, culminating in a sunny Friday with a high near 66, offering solace to those who prefer their Texan winters mild and their skies a clear azure.
