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Texas Air Quality Update: Houston Cools to 81° Monday Oct 26
Houston, TX – Air quality concerns are taking priority across portions of southeast Texas Friday, Oct. 23, as state environmental officials warn that atmospheric conditions could allow elevated ozone
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-10-23T09:54:21.741Z
Houston, TX – Air quality concerns are taking priority across portions of southeast Texas Friday, Oct. 23, as state environmental officials warn that atmospheric conditions could allow elevated ozone pollution to develop. An Ozone Action Day has been issued for the Houston, Galveston and Brazoria area, raising concerns about pollution exposure during a sunny afternoon when temperatures could reach 85 degrees. The alert comes ahead of a warm, generally dry weekend, with afternoon temperatures remaining in the 80s through early next week.
According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, atmospheric conditions Friday are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone pollution across Houston, Galveston and surrounding communities. The National Weather Service office in Houston/Galveston relayed the state's Ozone Action Day message Thursday afternoon. The notice encourages residents to reduce activities that contribute to ozone formation, including unnecessary vehicle trips and avoidable fuel consumption.
Ozone Action Day Raises Concerns Across Southeast Texas Ground level ozone forms when pollutants react in sunlight, making warm, sunny conditions particularly relevant to air quality. Unlike the protective ozone layer high in the atmosphere, ozone near the ground can irritate the respiratory system. Children, older adults, people with asthma and individuals with other respiratory conditions may be more sensitive to elevated concentrations.
The state notice does not provide a specific Air Quality Index reading or establish that unhealthy ozone concentrations have already occurred. Instead, it identifies conditions favorable for elevated pollution Friday. Residents concerned about exposure can monitor updated local readings through AirNow, particularly before strenuous outdoor exercise or extended activities during the afternoon.
Friday's weather will feature sunshine and a high near 85 degrees in Houston, according to the National Weather Service. Calm winds are expected to become easterly around 5 mph during the afternoon. At Houston Hobby Airport, the temperature was 61 degrees at 3:53 a.m. CDT, with fair skies, north winds around 3 mph and visibility of 10 miles.
Officials Encourage Steps to Reduce Pollution The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality recommends carpooling, walking, bicycling or sharing rides when practical. Residents are also encouraged to avoid drive through lanes, conserve energy and keep vehicles properly maintained. These measures can help reduce emissions that contribute to ground level ozone formation.
For motorists traveling Interstate 10, Interstate 45, Interstate 69 and Beltway 8, Friday's alert does not indicate road closures or weather related travel restrictions. The primary concern involves pollution levels rather than hazardous driving conditions. Residents who must travel can reduce unnecessary idling and combine errands to limit additional vehicle emissions.
Saturday, Oct. 24, will bring another sunny afternoon, with temperatures reaching approximately 84 degrees. Northeast winds of 5 to 10 mph are expected to become southeasterly during the afternoon, with gusts potentially reaching 20 mph. The supplied air quality notice applies specifically to Friday and does not establish that the Ozone Action Day will continue Saturday.
Warm Weather Continues Into Next Week Sunday, Oct. 25, brings mostly sunny skies and a high near 81 degrees. Monday, Oct. 26, continues the mild pattern with partly sunny skies and another high near 81 degrees. Nighttime temperatures are expected to remain around 63 degrees.
Tuesday will bring partly sunny skies and a high near 80 degrees, followed by sunshine and temperatures near 82 degrees Wednesday. Thursday introduces a 20% chance of showers, although significant rainfall is not indicated in the supplied forecast.
Will Friday's Ozone Action Day change your outdoor activities or commuting plans across the Houston area?
Five Day Weather Outlook Friday 10/23: Sunny skies will bring an afternoon high near 85 degrees, with calm winds becoming easterly around 5 mph, while an Ozone Action Day remains in effect for the Houston, Galveston and Brazoria area; nighttime temperatures fall near 63 degrees.
Saturday 10/24: Sunny conditions will continue across Houston, with temperatures reaching approximately 84 degrees and northeast winds of 5 to 10 mph becoming southeasterly during the afternoon, potentially gusting to 20 mph before mostly clear skies return and lows settle near 64 degrees.
Sunday 10/25: Mostly sunny skies and east winds of 5 to 10 mph will accompany a high near 81 degrees, followed by mostly cloudy conditions Sunday night and temperatures falling to approximately 63 degrees.
Monday 10/26: Partly sunny conditions will continue across the Houston area, with temperatures reaching approximately 81 degrees during the afternoon before mostly cloudy skies develop Monday night and temperatures fall to around 63 degrees.
Tuesday 10/27: Partly sunny skies will bring an afternoon high near 80 degrees, maintaining the mild autumn weather pattern before partly cloudy conditions return Tuesday night and temperatures settle near 62 degrees.
Additional Outlook: October 28 29 Wednesday, Oct. 28, is expected to bring sunny skies and a high near 82 degrees. Wednesday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures falling to approximately 62 degrees.
Thursday, Oct. 29, brings mostly sunny skies, a high near 81 degrees and a 20% chance of showers.
The supplied forecast does not establish a reliable six to 10 day temperature or precipitation trend beyond Thursday. No additional air quality alerts for the following week were provided.