Houston weather
As a lamb, the cold front that entered Houston came and went. However, tomorrow's front as the day approaches will be a lion. From around 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, extreme weather conditions will rule the day as the lion moves across the country. The front and many of the weather-related dangers will appear on today's schedule. We'll discuss these threats in more detail below.
As the system approaches Texas from the upper atmosphere, low pressure and turbulent winds appear at the surface. The track of this big picture phenomenon will cause a strong northwesterly wind this morning. This wind speed increases up to 40 miles per hour before the front passes. Afterward, the west-northwest winds will predominate until the system dissipates. Though heavy rain and thunderstorms will likely move through the area, there are three major threats that should be considered. First, I anticipate lightning and scattered showers to occur this morning before the front arrives. However, the most dangerous aspect of this line of storms is the fact that they will likely arrive by 1:30 or 2 pm. When the front arrives in Sugar Land, Texas, it will move through Conroe, Katy and Tomball until it reaches Kingwood and the central Houston area between 2 and 4 pm. Afterward, it will head out to sea between 4 and 6 pm.
The Tuesday weather outlook from NOAA stresses the severity of its predictions.
Damaging winds are a consequence of the pressure system; they may cause power outages and high-speed winds of 30 or higher. These winds may also cause damage to structures near Interstate 10. In the event that strong winds blow through, consider securing any loose items. This includes patio chairs that tend to spin. Doing so prevents the breakdown of trees due to flying debris.
For most locations, expect to see between one and three inches of precipitation. However, some areas may see up to four inches of rain if storms pass through this morning. The main line of storms likely won't pass through these areas, but heavy rainfall rates as high as two inches per hour are still possible. Though I do expect some street flooding, I anticipate roads will be cleared of water by the time commuters form lines in the metropolis. Additionally, the east to west system should move quickly and efficiently.
There's enough instability, pick-up and shear in the air to support tornadoes today. Oklahoma later in spring isn't a great location for tornados to form due to support provided by the current weather conditions. However, certain lighting conditions are ideal for forming tornados, such as the ones seen along and south of Interstate 10. A tornado is likely to occur between noon and 4 p.m. today, so be mindful of the weather when this happens. This high-risk activity also has a low likelihood of occurring; it’s worth watching because of its serious consequences.
Tornados are most likely in the yellow areas pictured Tuesday afternoon. This information was provided by the NOAA.
Additional information about today's weather will be provided by the Space City Weather app and National Weather Service alerts. Additionally, watches can be performed through the NOAA weather radio or by using the Space City Weather app.
Tuesday
The day will start off rainy, windy and uncomfortable. As the front passes through, temperatures will drop due to cloudy skies. Then, winds will shift direction from northwest to west and northwest. These winds will dry out the region and make for a miserable experience. Tensions will rise tomorrow night when a bitter wind chills the air to around 40 degrees outside Houston. However, tempers will flare when the temperature falls even lower between midnight and 1:00 a.m. With winds in the brisk category, outside appearances suggest sub-freezing temperatures.
Wednesday
On Wednesday night, temperatures will drop into the upper 30s. However, winds will still be strong up to 25 mph. Additionally, high temperatures on this day will range from the mid-50s to the low 60s.
Thursday
On Thursday night, temperatures could dip to freezing; winds will be light and low around 5 to 10 mph. This will cause Thursday to be the least windy day of the week, which should result in slightly higher temperatures in the mid-50s.
