Houston is starting Friday clear and around 80 degrees, but the calm morning is only a brief warmup for a hot afternoon. Temperatures are expected to reach about 94 degrees, with the heat index climbing as high as 106 while a small chance of showers and thunderstorms develops.
According to the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston forecast, rain chances rise after 10 a.m. and peak around 20% during the afternoon. Southeast winds will run 5 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph, and any rainfall is expected to be light overall.
Friday Storms Should Stay Spotty
A brief surge of Gulf moisture could produce isolated to scattered showers, with activity developing near the coast before spreading north during the afternoon. Most neighborhoods will likely stay dry, but stronger storms could bring a short burst of heavy rain, gusty winds or lightning.
Friday night will remain warm and humid, with a low near 81 degrees and heat index values still reaching about 102. Any remaining shower or thunderstorm chance should fade before 7 p.m., leaving partly cloudy skies overnight.
Weekend Turns Drier And Hotter
Saturday is forecast to be sunny with a high near 96 degrees and a heat index as high as 107. Sunday looks even more locked in, with sunny skies, a high near 97 and no rain currently expected.
The dry pattern is expected to continue into next week, with highs near 98 degrees Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and around 97 on Tuesday. Areas closer to the Gulf will run cooler, but inland Houston will remain firmly in the upper-90s zone.
Heat Becomes The Main Outdoor Concern
With several days of heat indices around 105 to 110, the bigger weather story will be cumulative heat stress rather than Friday's limited rain chance. People spending time outdoors should take breaks in air conditioning, drink water regularly and plan strenuous activities for the cooler parts of the day.
Residents should also check on older adults, children, neighbors and pets during the hottest hours. Before driving away, check the back seat and never leave a person or animal inside a parked vehicle.
