Houston rolled into Tuesday, March 31 under a gray, misty blanket, with temperatures hovering near 66°F and visibility in some spots trimmed to about 3.5 miles. The patchy fog is expected to thin by mid-morning, making room for partly sunny skies and a warm high near 83°F. By afternoon, southerly winds should kick up with gusts to around 25 mph and a slight chance of a few hit-or-miss showers between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Foggy Start, Brighter Finish
Patchy fog will be most common along bayous and near Galveston Bay through mid-morning, although a shallow layer of stronger winds just above the surface may keep widespread dense fog from forming. Low clouds and brief drops in visibility are still possible in low-lying areas early, but most neighborhoods should clear out by late morning.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Southerly winds are expected to run about 5-15 mph this afternoon, with gusts up to roughly 25 mph, so it may feel a bit breezier than the temperature alone suggests for anyone doing yard work or outdoor errands. There is a low chance, around 20 percent, of an isolated shower between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31. Overall, the pattern trends warmer through the week, a shift that local outlets have been tracking for March.
Late-Week Rain Threat
Better chances for showers and thunderstorms arrive Wednesday, April 1 and Thursday, April 2, with a stronger cold front still on track for late Saturday into Sunday, April 4-5. That front could deliver periods of moderate to heavy rain and cooler air behind it. The timing is still a bit uncertain, so plan on potentially soggy stretches late Wednesday into Thursday and again over the Easter weekend, according to National Weather Service Houston/Galveston.
What This Means For You
No watches or warnings are in effect for the metro this morning, so most commutes should run as usual once the fog lifts. It is still smart to give yourself a little extra time for any early departures. Boaters and beachgoers should keep an eye on updated forecasts as seas and rip current risk are expected to increase later in the week.
