Friday, May 15, started steamy in Houston, with clear, muggy air and early morning temperatures parked in the low 70s. Patchy fog is possible between about 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., then most spots should shake it off for a mostly sunny afternoon, with highs near 90°F.
Morning Fog, Sticky Afternoons
Patchy fog this morning could knock down visibility on some surface streets and slow the commute until mid-morning. By late morning, skies should generally clear. From there, expect hot, humid conditions with a high near 90°F, followed by a mid-afternoon slide into the upper 80s as south winds kick up.
South winds are expected at 5 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph, according to the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston.
Afternoon Gusts Could Impact Travel
Those late-morning and afternoon gusts could make highway driving a bit dicey for high-profile vehicles and may nudge lighter trailers around, so drivers should be ready for some extra steering correction. If you are heading out, it is a good idea to secure loose outdoor items that might get tossed around.
With humidity running high, heat index values will climb in direct sun. Anyone planning strenuous outdoor work or workouts should aim for early morning or later in the evening.
Coastal Conditions And Boaters
An onshore fetch will build choppy seas and raise the rip-current threat along the Bolivar Peninsula by Sunday. Waves are expected to trend toward 4 to 6 feet, and Small Craft Advisories could become possible into early next week.
Beachgoers should keep an eye on posted flags and skip swimming in rough surf. Boaters are urged to check local marine forecasts before launching.
Next Week
A wetter pattern returns by Monday, May 18, with a growing chance of showers and thunderstorms through Tuesday and Wednesday. Some areas could see more organized rain by midweek. For more on the broader setup and how this pattern has been evolving, see our coverage of the morning soaker that crashed the commute.
