HOUSTON – Houston’s summer pattern is not going anywhere, but rain chances are about to become a bigger part of the forecast.
For the next couple of days, we will continue to see typical July heat with afternoon highs in the mid-to-upper 90s and heat index values in the triple digits. A few scattered showers and storms will be possible each afternoon, mainly along the sea breeze. By the weekend, deeper Gulf moisture moves in, giving Houston a better chance for more widespread showers and thunderstorms.
Track Live Radar:
Track live radar below to see where showers and thunderstorms are developing across the Houston area. Remember, summer storms can be very hit-or-miss, so radar will be the best way to know if rain is heading toward your neighborhood.
Thursday’s Forecast:
Thursday will bring more heat and humidity, with highs near 97 degrees and heat index values as high as 106. Rain chances will be lower, but not zero. A few isolated showers or thunderstorms could develop during the afternoon, especially with the sea breeze. Most of the day will be mostly sunny, hot and humid, so heat safety will still matter.
Saharan Dust Forecast:
Thursday may also bring a return of Saharan dust, which could lead to a hazier sky. The dust can sometimes help limit storm development, but it does not do much to cool us down. Expect another hot, sticky day.
A second plume of the Saharan Dust will move in by the end of the weekend and looks to be much thicker, thus having more of an effect on our air quality early next week.
Weekend forecast:
Rain chances increase this weekend as deeper Gulf moisture moves into Southeast Texas. Saturday and Sunday will both bring scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms, with rain chances around 50 percent. This does not mean it will rain everywhere all day, but more neighborhoods will have a better shot at downpours, lightning and gusty winds. Highs will stay in the mid-90s, but clouds and rain may help hold temperatures down a little in spots.
At this point, the weekend does not look like a total washout, but it does look wetter than the middle of the week. Rain chances may climb to around 50 to 60 percent at times, especially Saturday. With more clouds and rain around, highs may come down slightly into the low-to-mid 90s, but it will still feel hot and humid.
10 Day Forecast:
The wetter pattern looks like it will continue into early next week. Monday and Tuesday bring some of the highest rain chances in the forecast, with scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms possible. Because of the added clouds and rain, highs may ease back closer to the lower 90s by Tuesday and Wednesday. Most of the Houston area could pick up 1 to 2 inches of rain through the middle of next week, but totals will vary quite a bit because the storms will still be scattered and hit-or-miss.
For now, the best chance for more widespread rain appears to be this weekend into early next week. After that, temperatures may trend hotter again if rain coverage drops.