Houston, Texas — Strong post-frontal winds and elevated Gulf seas are creating hazardous conditions across Southeast Texas Wednesday, impacting marine operations and coastal travel corridors.
According to the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston, a Small Craft Advisory remains in effect from 6 a.m. Wednesday through 6 a.m. Thursday for Gulf waters from High Island to the Matagorda Shipping Channel, extending out 60 nautical miles. North winds are forecast at 15 to 25 knots, with gusts reaching 30 knots, while seas build to 3–5 feet nearshore and 4–7 feet offshore.
These conditions pose significant risks for small vessels, particularly for inexperienced mariners. Officials advise operators of smaller craft to remain in port until conditions improve. The advisory affects coastal access points and marine routes near SH-87, TX-35, and offshore approaches south of Galveston Island.
On land, cooler air continues filtering into the region behind a cold front. Daytime highs Wednesday are expected in the upper 50s to lower 60s along major corridors including I-45, US-59, and TX-288, with overnight lows dropping into the upper 30s and low 40s inland. Patchy light rain remains possible near the immediate coast, though widespread rainfall is not expected.
An extended outlook shows a gradual warming trend beginning Friday, with highs climbing back into the 70s by the weekend and minimal rain chances.
Commuters, port workers, and students with early-morning travel near the coast may notice stronger winds and cooler conditions through Thursday morning.
Residents and mariners are encouraged to monitor updates at weather.gov/houston and follow guidance from local officials.
