Houston, Texas – The morning air already feels heavy, and the pavement is warming fast beneath a blazing July sun. By the middle of the afternoon, much of the Houston area will feel more like 104 degrees, creating another dangerous stretch of summer weather that could impact commuters, outdoor workers and anyone spending extended time outside.
According to the National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston, mostly sunny skies will send temperatures to around 98 degrees today, while the heat index climbs as high as 104 degrees. The heat intensifies through Tuesday, when highs reach 99 degrees and peak heat index values approach 107 degrees. By Wednesday and Thursday, afternoon temperatures are expected to top out near 100 degrees, extending one of the hottest stretches of the season.
Travel conditions will remain generally dry across I-10, I-45, U.S. 59, Beltway 8 and the Sam Houston Tollway, but vehicles can heat rapidly when parked in direct sunlight. Interior temperatures can become life-threatening within minutes. Drink water frequently, wear lightweight clothing and limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the afternoon.
The broader weather pattern across the southern United States continues to favor persistent heat as a strong upper-level ridge remains in place. While severe thunderstorms are expected across parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes, Southeast Texas stays largely rain-free through the middle of the week. An isolated tornado is not expected locally during this period, though forecasters continue monitoring tropical moisture across the Gulf as hurricane season progresses.
By the weekend, rain chances begin to increase slightly. Saturday carries a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a 30% chance arriving Sunday. Those isolated storms could offer localized cooling but are not expected to significantly reduce the ongoing summer warmth.
Looking farther ahead, the 6-to-10-day outlook continues to favor above-normal temperatures across Southeast Texas, suggesting the prolonged heat will persist into late next week.
Five-Day Forecast for Houston, Texas
- Today: Sunny and hot. High 98°F. Heat index up to 104°F.
- Tuesday: Sunny and hot. High 99°F. Heat index up to 107°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny and hot. High 100°F. Low around 80°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny and hot. High 100°F. Low around 81°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny and hot. High 100°F.
