The Gulf States are shaping up to be one of the hottest focal points in the country as the calendar flips toward 2026, with Texas and Louisiana squarely in the path of a late-December warmth surge. Forecast guidance heading into the Dec. 27–Jan. 2 period points to temperatures running well above normal, raising the possibility of near-record heat in cities like Houston.
Late December is typically a cooler, more variable time along the Gulf Coast, with average highs in the lower to mid-60s. This year, however, a dominant ridge of high pressure is expected to lock in across the southern U.S., tapping warm Gulf air and suppressing cold fronts that would normally bring winter chill southward. As a result, daytime highs could push into the upper 70s and even low 80s, levels more typical of late March than the end of the year.
Overnight temperatures are also forecast to stay elevated, limiting cooling relief and reinforcing the unseasonable feel. If the warmer projections verify, portions of southeast Texas and southern Louisiana could flirt with daily warmth records during the final days of 2025 and the opening days of 2026.
Looking ahead to Jan. 3–16, 2026, early outlooks suggest the Gulf States remain favored for above-normal temperatures, though with increased chances for brief frontal passages. Even so, the broader signal points toward a mild start to January rather than a sharp return to winter conditions.
While this pattern does not eliminate the potential for colder outbreaks later in the season, it highlights how the Gulf Coast is emerging as a national heat anchor heading into 2026. Residents should monitor forecasts closely, especially for impacts on energy demand, outdoor activities, and early-season allergy concerns as warmth lingers well beyond its typical window.
