Texas – Palm trees sway and loose patio furniture rattles across the Houston area as strengthening winds begin sweeping inland from the Gulf this morning. The breeze feels mild now, but stronger gusts will build through the day and into Monday, raising travel and fire concerns across Southeast Texas.
According to the National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston, a Wind Advisory remains in effect from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday for much of the region, including Houston, Sugar Land, Pasadena, Conroe, and Galveston. Southerly winds between 20 and 25 mph will increase steadily, with gusts reaching 40 to 45 mph at times.
Drivers along Interstate 45, Interstate 10, and the Beltway 8 corridor may notice sudden crosswinds, especially on bridges and elevated roadways. High-profile vehicles such as trucks and vans could experience difficult steering in stronger gusts.
Meteorologists are also watching a growing fire weather concern Monday. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect from Monday morning through Monday evening, mainly along and west of the I-45 corridor across Southeast Texas.
Humidity could fall to around 18 percent, while winds remain breezy between 15 and 25 mph. Those conditions allow flames to spread quickly across dry grass and brush. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Even a discarded cigarette could spark a fast-moving grass fire.
A weak front passes late, bringing noticeably cooler air by Monday night. Temperatures fall into the lower 40s, a sharp contrast from the warm afternoons earlier in the day.
By St. Patrick’s Day Tuesday, sunshine returns with a crisp but comfortable afternoon around 61 degrees. Calm winds and dry air should bring ideal outdoor conditions across Houston and nearby communities.
Warmer spring air builds again by midweek, pushing temperatures back into the 70s and near 80 degrees by Thursday. Early signs suggest above-normal warmth expanding across Texas later next week.
If you’re heading out across Houston today, keep an eye on loose debris and sudden gusts along open highways. Are the winds picking up where you are?
Five Day Outlook for Houston, Texas
Monday: Mostly sunny and breezy. High near 56°F with gusts near 30 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy and cooler. Low around 41°F.
Tuesday (St. Patrick’s Day): Becoming sunny. High near 61°F.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy with a low around 48°F.
Wednesday: Sunny and warmer. High near 74°F.
