Houston is experiencing unusually warm conditions that could challenge a long-standing temperature record. Forecasters say the city may tie or exceed the record high of 80 degrees, which was set in 2000. Meteorologists continue to monitor conditions as temperatures climb well above seasonal averages.
The cause behind this potential record-setting day is twofold: a steadfast area of high pressure stationed over Mexico and winds determined to just not to slow down, at least for a moment. These winds, blowing from the southwest at around 10 to 15 miles per hour, with gusts occasionally bullying up to as much as 25 mph, are "That southwest flow is warm and dry, and it’s very efficient at boosting our temperatures this time of year," Click2Houston explains. It's this robust combination that's expected to drive Friday's high up to a toasty 82°.
But don’t expect the warmth to overstay its welcome. The National Weather Service forecasts a swift change as a weak Pacific cold front makes its appearance over southeast Texas early Saturday, heralding cooler air and possibly tighter zippers on jackets. As detailed on their weather page, this front is to effectively tone down the highs to a more seasonable mid-70s for the remainder of the weekend.
But Houston isn't too keen on bidding farewell to the warmth. Post-cooldown, the city's temperatures are projected to saunter back up, casually ascending into the upper 70s and lower 80s starting next Tuesday. This seesaw of the thermometer will be Houston's rhythm until at least the following weekend. Houston's next interlude with rainfall comes with a 20 percent chance of showers by next Thursday.
As residents react to the unseasonal warmth, temperatures are climbing to levels more typical of spring than January. Forecasters say Houston could either set a new daily record or fall just short, but the trend of above-average temperatures is expected to continue. Regardless of the outcome, the city appears poised for an extended stretch of unusually warm winter weather.
