Enjoy the warmth while it lasts-because a powerful November cold front is charging toward the Houston area, promising a dramatic shift from shorts to sweater weather in just 48 hours.
Forecasters from the National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston say the region will sizzle Friday and Saturday under a warm southwesterly flow, with highs climbing into the upper 80s. Some spots south of I-10 and west of I-45 could briefly hit 90 degrees. But that early taste of summer won’t stick around.
Late Saturday night into early Sunday morning, a strong cold front-the kind Texans call a “blue norther”-will blast through the area, sending gusty north winds sweeping across the region.
Temperatures are expected to tumble quickly behind the front, dropping into the 60s and low 70s Sunday afternoon, then plunging into the 30s and 40s by Monday morning. Northern and western parts of Houston could flirt with their first light freeze of the season.
“It’s going to feel 5 to 10 degrees colder than the thermometer shows,” NWS forecasters warned, with brisk winds adding an extra chill. Highs on Monday may not escape the 50s despite sunshine.
Drivers were urged to use caution during Friday morning’s dense fog, especially on commutes across the Houston metro and coastal areas. Another round of fog is possible early Saturday before the front arrives.
Out on the Gulf, boaters should prepare for rough conditions as the front roars through. Winds could top 35 knots, prompting possible gale warnings and dangerous seas Sunday into Monday, the NWS said.
After the chill settles in, Texas will gradually warm back up by midweek as onshore flow returns-but first, brace yourself for a Texas-style weather whiplash: 90 on Saturday, 30s by Monday.
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This article originally published at Houston braces for first freeze as ‘Blue Norther’ barrels into southeast Texas.