Houston is waking up to air you can practically wear, with a warm and sticky Tuesday morning featuring partly cloudy skies, temperatures around 70°F, and an afternoon high headed for the low 80s. South winds will crank up later today and hang around through the work week, keeping humidity high and nights on the muggy side. By late week, the heat index could nudge into the low 90s during the warmest afternoons, ahead of a cold front that is lining up to arrive late Saturday into Sunday and boost the odds for weekend showers and thunderstorms.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
South winds of 5 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph are expected Tuesday afternoon, with similar breezy conditions through midweek, according to the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston. Those gusts could make bridges and bay crossings feel blustery and may slow high-profile vehicles during the evening commute. Afternoon temperatures should generally top out in the low to mid-80s through the end of the work week.
Weekend Rain And Cooler Air
A cold front is forecast to push into Southeast Texas late Saturday into Sunday, raising rain chances and the threat of thunderstorms across the metro. Showers may develop along and ahead of the boundary, with the best shot at rain coming Saturday afternoon into Sunday. Some storms could bring brief heavy downpours and gusty winds. For a broader look at how the pattern may unfold, see our earlier coverage in this muggy weekend storm setup.
Coastline, Boaters And Rivers
Persistent onshore flow will keep seas and water levels modestly elevated this week, which bumps up the risk of wave run-up and stronger rip currents along Gulf beaches, according to the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston. Boaters should be ready for periods of stronger onshore winds and the potential for Small Craft Advisories late Saturday into Sunday as the front slides offshore. A few inland gauges in the Lavaca-Navidad basin briefly popped into action stage earlier this week but have since dropped back; residents along small creeks and bayous should keep an eye on river forecasts.
Plan Ahead
Keep water close at hand if you are working outside this week, and secure loose patio furniture before the breezier afternoons arrive. If you have weekend plans, check the forecast before heading out and be ready to move outdoor gatherings inside if storms close in. Swimmers should follow lifeguard instructions and posted flags, and boaters should review marine advisories before launching.
