While Houston’s hot and dry August weather continues in most neighborhoods this weekend, isolated downpours could provide brief pockets of rain-cooled air.
Saturday will bring a mix of heat, isolated storms and potentially unhealthy concentrations of ground-level ozone. Most areas will stay dry, and similar weather is expected Sunday and into early next week.
Temperatures will climb into the mid-90s Saturday, with ozone levels potentially becoming a concern as afternoon heat builds. People with asthma or other breathing sensitivities should limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity if air quality worsens.
A few showers and thunderstorms could develop as weak atmospheric disturbances out of the east interact with moisture-rich air near the surface. Storm coverage should remain limited, with the best chances for rain near the coast and south of Interstate 10.
The strongest storms could produce brief heavy rainfall, gusty winds and frequent lightning. One part of the Houston area could receive a quick downpour while nearby communities remain hot and dry.
Rain chances will continue Sunday and into early next week, but widespread or steady rain is not expected. Highs should remain in the mid-90s, with the best opportunities for rain generally near the coast.
The latest data set released Thursday from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows nearly all of the Houston-Galveston metro area is now at least abnormally dry, which is a precursor stage to drought. About 43% of Southeast Texas is experiencing moderate drought, the lowest drought category used by the drought monitor. The portion of the region in moderate drought was less than 1% a week earlier.
That rapid expansion reflects limited rainfall and persistent heat across Southeast Texas. Isolated storms this weekend could produce locally beneficial rain, but most areas are unlikely to receive enough precipitation to significantly improve drought conditions.
Widespread, soaking rain would be needed to reverse the broader trend. For now, the forecast offers daily rain chances, but not a reliable solution.