Houston’s hot weather isn’t going anywhere just yet, but the forecast is hinting at a subtle pattern change that could bring the return of daily thunderstorms later this week.
A sprawling heat dome parked over the desert Southwest will keep Southeast Texas hot and mostly dry through Wednesday. Beginning Thursday, scattered afternoon thunderstorms should become a daily possibility once again and shave a few degrees off peak daytime temperatures, at least briefly.
The ridge of high atmospheric pressure will remain firmly in control through Wednesday, suppressing most rain chances and allowing temperatures to climb into the upper 90s across much of Southeast Texas. A few of the hottest inland communities could briefly touch 100 degrees, while coastal areas stay in the lower to middle 90s.
Bolstered by Houston’s trademark August humidity, afternoon heat index values will reach 103 to 108 degrees in the shade. For anyone working or exercising in direct sunlight, it can feel another 10 to 15 degrees hotter.
While heat index values are expected to remain below the National Weather Service’s heat advisory criteria for most of Southeast Texas, anyone spending extended time outdoors should take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. Also, in this kind of heat, never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston’s official climate observation site, last recorded measurable rainfall on June 20, when 0.49 inch fell. Only a trace (less than 0.01 inch) was recorded on June 21. During Houston’s hottest time of year, even hit-or-miss afternoon thunderstorms can make a difference by briefly lowering temperatures and helping keep the prospect of a flash drought at bay.
The extra clouds and showers should shave a few degrees off afternoon temperatures, with most inland communities in Southeast Texas settling into the lower to middle 90s through the weekend, though a few spots could still reach the upper 90s.
It’s far from a taste of fall, but for a city that’s gone weeks without meaningful rain, even a few afternoon thunderstorms would be a welcome change.