After one of the hottest days this summer, Houston residents can expect the high temperatures to persist through Thursday. With a tropical disturbance on the way, rain and storm chances will return to the area starting Friday and Saturday, before the intense heat resumes next week.
Yesterday was officially recorded as the hottest day of the year thus far, with a daily average temperature of 89 degrees at Bush Airport. This surpassed the previous high of 88.5 degrees, reached four times earlier this summer, with the last occurrence on June 21st. Despite various opinions on whether this summer has felt particularly mild, statistical evidence suggests otherwise.
An inquiry received via Instagram questioned whether it has truly been a mild summer, noting that many have enjoyed the mornings and evenings outside—something not always possible in prior years. While the climate has indeed been hot, like every summer in Houston, the frequent rain chances have provided some relief and a break from the often oppressive heat. This summer has, in many ways, mirrored what one might expect from a typical Houston summer.
However, the statistics tell a different story, as this summer currently ranks as the seventh hottest on record in Houston from June 1st through Sunday. Surprisingly, the current summer temperatures have even edged past those of 2024, though they fall significantly behind the extreme heat experienced in 2022 and 2023. The average temperature has been recorded at 84.9 degrees, making it approximately 2 degrees warmer than the norm.
The surprising aspect is that, although this summer has felt intense, daytime temperatures have not reached an alarming high. This leads to an average of the 19th hottest high temperatures on record, which has contributed to a perception of relative comfort. More notable are the nighttime lows, which currently rank as the third warmest summer on record so far, closely trailing 2022 and 2023, while just ahead of 2024. The patterns are evident, suggesting that a combination of milder daytime conditions, topped with frequent afternoon rainstorms and warm nights, has created a summer that statistically is among the hottest but does not feel overly oppressive.
Looking ahead, Houston can anticipate that the heat will continue for at least the next two to three days. Daily highs are expected to reach the mid to upper 90s, with some localized areas potentially hitting 100 degrees by the end of Thursday. Given the oppressive heat expected during these days, residents are advised to stay hydrated, take breaks from outdoor activities, and check on vulnerable individuals and pets. It’s also critical to remember to check the backseat of vehicles before locking them up.
As the week progresses into Friday and Saturday, weather changes loom on the horizon. The remnants of a tropical system known as Invest 93L will travel over the Florida Peninsula today and then into the northwestern Gulf on Wednesday. It is predicted to make landfall between Matagorda Bay and Cameron, Louisiana, by Friday. Fortunately, development of this system is unlikely due to adverse wind conditions and the presence of dry air.
However, the system will increase the chances of showers and storms in the region, with a forecasted probability of 40 to 60 percent for both days. This additional cloud cover and possible rain may lower high temperatures back to the low-90s, with some areas possibly even struggling to reach 90 degrees due to rainfall. Rainfall amounts are expected to be variable, with some areas receiving modest amounts while others, especially east of Houston and closer to the coast, could see accumulations between 1 to 3 inches.
By Sunday, the tropical disturbance is expected to exit, bringing a decrease in rain chances. High temperatures will likely rebound to the mid-90s by the end of the weekend, and it appears that the upper-90s will return next week as a significant ridge of high pressure takes over the Southern Plains. Houston residents should prepare for another potential stretch of scorching summer weather, reminiscent of the hottest days experienced earlier this season.
image source from：spacecityweather
