Houston is in for a dreary and chilly weekend as rain and below-normal temperatures grip the city. Gloomy skies, cold winds, and steady showers will make for a damp and unpleasant couple of days, with temperatures struggling to climb out of the 40s.
But don’t pack away your sunglasses just yet. A major shift is coming next week, with temperatures set to rebound dramatically—pushing into the upper 70s by midweek.
Current Conditions: Wet and Chilly Start to the Weekend
As of Saturday morning, Houston is waking up to gray skies and a cold drizzle, with temperatures hovering around 38°F (4°C). A coastal low-pressure system is funneling moisture into the region, keeping conditions damp and breezy.
The Gulf of Mexico is also experiencing rough seas, with small craft advisories in effect. Winds from the northeast will keep the city feeling even colder than the thermometer suggests.
Weekend Outlook: Rainy and Unseasonably Cold
Saturday and Sunday will bring more of the same—cool, wet conditions that make it feel more like late December than February.
- Saturday: Expect overcast skies with steady drizzle and occasional heavier showers. Highs will struggle to reach 45°F (7°C), and northeasterly winds will make it feel even colder. The overnight low will drop to 41°F (5°C), keeping the city locked in a winter-like chill.
- Sunday: The cold rain continues, with thunderstorms possible in the morning. Rainfall totals could lead to ponding on roads and highways, so drivers should use caution. Temperatures will climb slightly to 54°F (12°C), but with lingering cloud cover, it will still feel raw and damp.
Next Week: Say Goodbye to the Cold, Hello to Springlike Temperatures
If you’re tired of the cold, there’s good news ahead. Starting Monday, Houston will begin to warm up significantly, with temperatures rising nearly 30 degrees over the course of a few days.
- Monday: Clouds clear out, and the sun returns! Highs will jump to 67°F (20°C), making it the first noticeably warmer day. The overnight low will sit around 49°F (10°C).
- Tuesday: Even warmer, with temperatures soaring to 76°F (24°C). The sunshine will stick around, creating ideal outdoor conditions.
- Wednesday: A near-perfect day, with highs reaching 76°F (24°C) and just a few scattered clouds. The overnight low will stay mild at 54°F (12°C).
- Thursday: A slight dip in temperatures, but still pleasant. Expect a high of 72°F (22°C), with a breezy morning.
- Friday: The week wraps up with sunshine and comfortable highs of 70°F (21°C).
Why Is Houston’s Weather Flipping So Fast?
Houston’s wild temperature swings are being caused by a strong Arctic front, which dragged in unusually cold air from the north. This same system is also responsible for the steady rain and damp conditions.
However, as the cold air retreats and a ridge of high pressure builds in from the west, warm air from the Gulf of Mexico will surge back into the region. That’s why we’ll go from the 40s and rain this weekend to nearly 80°F by midweek.
This kind of back-and-forth weather isn’t unusual for Houston in February, as winter clashes with early spring air masses, bringing dramatic temperature shifts.
How to Prepare for the Changing Weather
- Dress for the Cold Now, But Be Ready for a Quick Warm-Up: Layer up this weekend, but keep your lighter clothing handy—you’ll need it by Monday.
- Be Cautious on the Roads: Rain could make for slick conditions, especially early Sunday. Avoid driving through deep puddles or standing water.
- Prepare for an Allergy Surge: Warmer weather often brings an early start to allergy season. If you’re sensitive to pollen, be aware that levels will rise next week.
- Check on Pets and Vulnerable Individuals: With cold rain and strong winds, outdoor animals and those sensitive to chilly temperatures may need extra care this weekend.
- Take Advantage of Next Week’s Beautiful Weather: Plan any outdoor activities for midweek, when temperatures will be at their most comfortable.
Bottom Line: A Miserable Weekend, But a Beautiful Week Ahead
Houston is in for a cold and rainy weekend, with below-average temperatures and the possibility of morning thunderstorms on Sunday. But if you can make it through the dreary conditions, a major warm-up is coming, with highs reaching into the upper 70s by midweek.
