Houston woke up under a blanket of fog and mist this morning, with surface temperatures near 71°F at Hobby Airport and dew points stuck in the low 70s, making it feel every bit as muggy as it sounds. Visibility is patchy, especially in low-lying spots, so drivers should expect some slowdowns on the morning commute. The low clouds are expected to thin by midday, setting up a partly sunny afternoon with highs topping out in the mid-80s.
Afternoon Heat And Gusty Winds
This afternoon should bring a mix of sun and clouds, with highs near 86°F and a south breeze running about 5 to 15 mph, occasionally gusting around 20 mph. That blend of humidity and wind will nudge heat-index values into the low 90s on Thursday and again on Friday, so outdoor workers, joggers, and anyone planning yard work will want to schedule breaks and stay hydrated. Keep an eye on pets that spend time outside in the heat as well. These details are from the NWS Houston/Galveston.
Weekend Front Could Bring Heavy Rain
A cold front is on track to slide into the area late Saturday afternoon into Saturday night (Saturday, April 18), and showers and thunderstorms are expected to become more widespread along and ahead of it. Forecasters note that some of these storms could dump very heavy rain in short bursts, with rainfall rates briefly reaching 2 to 3 inches per hour. The setup comes with a marginal risk of excessive rainfall that could trigger localized flooding in urban spots and poor-drainage areas. Anyone with outdoor plans from Saturday night into Sunday morning should keep a backup plan, and it is a good idea to move vehicles off low streets if storms start to fire, per NWS Houston/Galveston.
Coastlines And Boaters Watch Out
Persistent onshore flow this week is keeping tide levels somewhat elevated, with high tides expected to run near 3.0 ft above MLLW, and rip currents will remain a concern along Gulf-facing beaches. Once the front moves through, winds should flip to the northeast Saturday night into Sunday and seas are expected to build, which will make for choppier conditions that could be rough on small craft. For the latest readings on local bayou and river gauges, and to sign up for customized flood alerts, check the Harris County Flood Warning System.
