Thursday, February 28, 2013

Onto A New Month


By Gene Norman
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Someone asked me today, "What's up the weather lately? Mild one day - cool the next!"  Having been in Houston a while, I just smiled and said, "it's February".  The shortest month nearly always brings wild swings as weather patterns begin to shift.  There are still shots of cool air coming out of Southern Canada and down through the plains.  Meanwhile, occasional shifts of southerly winds often mean a brief warm up.  As the month comes to a close, we're bracing for the former and March will starts chilly.  Remember the old adage - "in like a Lamb, out like a Lion" and vice versa. Here's a look at how cold it will likely get tonight across Southeast Texas.  



We didn't break 60° today thanks to the persistent cloud cover.  We'll likely see fewer clouds Friday, but the chill in the air will last through the beginning of next week.  Bundle up!  

Here's how February ends up by the numbers: temperatures averaged 2° above normal and we fell short of normal rainfall for the month by 2.1".  

TONIGHT: Fair skies with light winds and chilly feel.  Temperatures falling through the low 40s in the evening to the upper 30s in town and close to freezing for northern suburbs.  North winds 5-10 or lighter.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR FRIDAY IS: 7
FRIDAY: Mostly sunny, continued cool and dry.  Highs barely reach 60°. Steady northwest winds 8-12 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR SATURDAY IS: 7
FRIDAY: Sunny and cold in the morning.  Morning temperatures in the upper 30s with a light freeze in northern neighborhoods.  Highs below 60°.  Breezy northwest winds 10-15 mph.

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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

A Cool Wind Blows In


By Gene Norman
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The glaze of high clouds (cirrocumulus to be precise) continues to drift across our skies while gusty winds signal the first of several really chilly nights.  This could be double-blanket territory as lows the next few mornings will slip into the upper 30s and even freezing for many north of Houston.  Exactly how cold it gets will depend on how long the steady northwest winds linger overnight.  They won't be as brisk as this afternoon, but they'll still be there.  Those winds are bringing in not only cold but dry air.  That's due in part from the fact that the wind is blowing over the recent snow in the Texas panhandle and the southern plains states.  The result is like an atmospheric refrigerator and Houston is on the bottom shelf.

TONIGHT: Fair skies with a steady breeze and chilly feel.  Temperatures falling through the low 40s in the evening to the upper 30s in town and close to freezing for northern suburbs.  Northwest winds 10-15 mph diminishing to 5-10 mph overnight.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR THURSDAY IS: 8
WEDNESDAY: Sunny and continued cool and dry.  Highs barely reach 60°. Breezy northwest winds 8-12 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR FRIDAY IS: 8
FRIDAY: Sunny and cold in the morning.  Increasing high cloudiness by late afternoon.  Morning temperatures in the upper 30s with a light freeze in northern neighborhoods.  Highs in the low  60s.  Breezy with northwest winds 10-15 mph.

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Tuesday, February 26, 2013

A Cool Spell



By Gene Norman
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Some like it cool - does that describe you?  Well, if it does, you're really going to like the next few days.  The chill that arrived in the wake of Monday's near gale force winds left us a crisp, cool Tuesday.  A veil of high clouds streaming in overhead may keep temperatures from falling area-wide into the 30s overnight.  However, I expect that veil to thin tomorrow and Thursday.  That should allow morning temperatures to dip close to freezing for some neighborhoods north of Houston and in the upper 30s in town.  High pressure keeps the afternoons cool and dry with mostly sunny skies.  Another reinforcing blast of colder Canadian air is set to arrive by the end of the week.  A light freeze descends across the area by Saturday morning.  Too early to tell if its winter's last hurrah.

TONIGHT: Fair and chilly.  Temperatures falling through the upper 40s in the evening to the low 40s in town and some upper 30s for northern suburbs.  Light south winds 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR WEDNESDAY IS: 8
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny and crisp early, then milder by afternoon.  Highs in the upper 60s.  Breezy with becoming west to northwest 10-15 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR THURSDAY IS: 8
THURSDAY: Sunny and continued cool.  Morning temperatures in the upper 30s with a light freeze in northern neighborhoods.  Highs in the low to mid 60s.  Breezy with north and northwest winds 5-10 mph.

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Monday, February 25, 2013

Hang On!


By Gene Norman
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As expected, VERY gusty winds are blowing into southeast Texas this afternoon in the wake of another underwhelming rain episode.  Part of the reason this morning's rains fizzled has to do in part with the large winter storm bringing a a blinding blizzard to the Texas panhandle today.  The main energy with this system shifted a bit north, robbing us with the chance to see anything more than a few passing showers this morning.  Stronger storms are developing, however to our east into parts of Louisiana and Mississippi.

Our gusty winds will last into early evening, so bundle up if you're headed to the first night of rodeo performances and be prepared for several chilly mornings and cool afternoons for most of the rest of this week.

TONIGHT: Clear, but cool and windy.  Temperatures falling through the low 50s and upper 40s.  Gusty west and northwest winds 20-25 early, gradually dropping to 10-15 mph after midnight.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR TUESDAY IS: 8
TUESDAYSunny, breezy and much cooler.  Morning temperatures in the low 40s only rise to the mid 60s.  Steady west and northwest winds 15-20 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR WEDNESDAY IS: 8
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny and continued cool.  Morning temperatures in the low 40s with some upper 30s in northern neighborhoods.  Highs near 70°. Breezy with north and northwest winds 8-12 mph.

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Sunday, February 24, 2013

Another Stormy Monday


By Gene Norman
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Break out the umbrellas as you head back to work and school.  For the second Monday in a row wet weather moves in and there could be a few rumbles of thunder thrown in as well.  Here's a depiction of the rain headed here by the Monday morning commute as well as a major winter storm for the Texas panhandle and most of Oklahoma:


Most of the action in Houston will be done just after lunchtime, but there could still be a few lingering showers in the afternoon.  The rain is being pushed this way by a cold front and in it's wake cool weather returns for the rest of the week.  By Tuesday, you can trade the umbrella and rain gear for sweaters and coats.  Also, after the rain moves out Monday, expect a very windy afternoon.  Dry air quickly moves in after the rain leading to rapid evaporation and elevating the fire danger.  Gusty winds are possible up to 40 mph making boating hazardous.  

TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy with periods of light rain developing after midnight.  Mild with temperatures in the low to mid 60s.  East to southeast winds 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR MONDAY IS: 6
MONDAY: Scattered showers and thunderstorms developing during the morning commute and lasting through early afternoon.  Some storms could be briefly severe with gusty wind the main threat.  Mild with temperatures in the mid to upper 60s early, but then dropping into the low 60s in the late afternoon.  Southerly winds with the rain 10-15 mph, then becoming gusty out of the west and northwest after the rain 25-35 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR TUESDAY IS: 8
TUESDAY: Sunny, breezy and much cooler.  Morning temperatures in the low 40s only rise to the mid 60s.  Steady west and northwest winds 15-20 mph.

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Friday, February 22, 2013

Rodeo Parade Time

By Gene Norman
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Hope you're ready for one of the great Houston traditions - the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The trail riders arrived in Memorial Park this afternoon and tomorrow morning, they'll parade downtown. We've had a lot of peek-a-boo sunshine as low clouds lingered behind yesterday's rain. The reason for the delay in clearing is a common rodeo-time weather pattern of overrunning. Surface northeast winds are opposed by upper-level southwesterly winds, keeping the moisture streaming in. By tomorrow, all of the upper-level winds shift to the northwest allowing for the skies to clear up.  The parade and rodeo run will begin with a cool feel, so bring something warm as you huddle in the downtown canyons, rooting on the riders and floats.

TONIGHT: Partly cloudy skies early begin to clear out after midnight.  Cool with lows in the mid 40s. North winds 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR SATURDAY IS: 8
SATURDAY: Early clouds give way to mostly sunny skies. Cool start becomes a milder afternoon with highs close to 70°. Northeast winds 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR SUNDAY IS: 7
SUNDAY: Mostly sunny skies early become partly to mostly cloudy skies. There may be a few brief isolated showers developing by afternoon. Highs in the upper 60s to low 70s. Northeast winds in the morning becoming southeasterly by afternoon 5-10 mph.


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Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Storms On The Way


By Gene Norman
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Today's rains were a nuisance, but tomorrow's could be quite rough.  One of the reasons will be the quick warm-up we'll experience overnight.  For most of today, it's been cloudy and quite breezy due to a steady east wind.  However, the winds will change to the south and southeast overnight and tomorrow as a warm front moves northward from the Gulf.  That will help trigger showers overnight, but more importantly set the stage for strong storms to erupt as a cold front collides with the warmer air.

Here's the latest threat from the Storm Prediction Center:



The large yellow area indicates where storms with gusty wind, hail and isolated tornadoes are likely.  This depiction shows when the storm threat could be greatest, around mid-day:



The blue line indicates the front which may slow down a bit as it heads for the coast.  So fans heading to the first night of the World Championship Bar-B-Q may still need the rain gear and jacket.  Also, clouds may linger into part of Friday as the trail riders arrive in Memorial Park.  It's now looking more likely that skies will clear out a bit before Saturday and the Rodeo Parade and Rodeo Run.

TONIGHT: Cloudy with periods of light, spotty rain.  Showers become more widespread by the morning rush hour.  Temperatures gradually rise from the upper 50s to low to mid 60s overnight.  East winds 10-15 mph become south and southeast 10-15 mph by morning.


NORMAN NUMBER FOR THURSDAY: 4
THURSDAY: Strong to severe thunderstorms developing from the morning through the mid-afternoon, then slow clearing.  Some storms may bring gusty wind and hail.  Temperatures climb to mid 70s as the storms arrive, then drop into the low to mid 60s during the afternoon.  Gusty southerly winds 15-20 mph early with the storms become west to northwest 10-15 mph by afternoon.


NORMAN NUMBER FOR FRIDAY: 7
FRIDAY: Cool start with lingering morning clouds becoming mostly sunny by afternoon.  Highs climb into the upper 60s with dry and breezy north winds 5-10 mph.

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Tuesday, February 19, 2013

A Brief Break

By Gene Norman

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Hope you enjoyed today's cool sunshine, because more rapid changes are on the way.  Here's a look at a forecast projection showing how fast rain and clouds return tomorrow:


Don't leave home without your umbrella as showers are quite likely especially during the afternoon.  Then, we'll see a stronger cold front push through here with the threat of severe weather Thursday morning.  This depiction of the storm threat indicates that while the highest threat Thursday should be east of Houston, we could still see some rough storms:




The main threats are high wind, and isolated tornadoes, not unlike Monday's small tornado in Shepherd.  It now looks that after the storm Thursday, we may not completely clear out before the weekend.  Clouds and spotty rain hangs around along with a return of cooler temperatures.  Basically, good old fashioned rodeo weather.  Trail Riders may find it soggy in Memorial Park Friday and you may need the rain gear as well as a jacket for the big rodeo parade Saturday morning.


TONIGHT: Fair skies early with increasing clouds after midnight.  Cool with temperatures falling through the upper 40s and low 50s by morning.  Northeast winds 5-10 mph becoming east by morning..

NORMAN NUMBER FOR WEDNESDAY: 5
WEDNESDAY: Cool and overcast for most of the day with occasional periods of light rain developing by afternoon.  Highs may not get past the low 60s.  Steady, cool east wind 10-15 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR THURSDAY: 4
THURSDAY: Strong to severe thunderstorms in the morning, then remaining cloudy during the afternoon with lingering passing showers.  Temperatures climb to the low 70s as the storms arrive, then drop into the low to mid 60s during the afternoon.  Gusty southerly winds 15-20 mph early with the storms become west to northwest 10-15 mph by afternoon.

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Monday, February 18, 2013

Rodeo Weather?


By Gene Norman
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Storms rolled through this afternoon, a little stronger than expected but for most the rain is over.  There were even a few tornado warnings, and funnel clouds were spotted in Montgomery county.  High winds damaged a home and knocked trees down near Shepherd in San Jacinto County.  There may be a few lingering showers and stronger storms, mainly north of town tonight as the front which sparked today's rain moves off the coast by early Tuesday morning.  This picture shows the last of the rains moving off toward Louisiana.


So, what's next?  The calendar says it's rodeo time - does that mean rodeo weather?  Maybe...
After a brief cool-down Tuesday, milder weather returns Wednesday, along with clouds and light rain.  A stronger front arrives Thursday and we could be in for rough storms then.  Take note if you're headed to the first day of the World's Largest Bar-B-Q at Reliant Park.  As the trail riders arrive in Memorial Park Friday, it should be cool, but not cold.  Right now, the parade looks good - partly cloudy and mild.  However, check back through the week - if Thursday's front stalls, rain chances could linger.  

TONIGHT: Partly cloudy with a few lingering showers, mainly east and north.  Temperatures falling from the mid 60s at night to the much cooler mid 40s by morning.  Breezy northwest winds 10-15 mph after midnight.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR TUESDAY: 7
TUESDAY: Cool start with mostly sunny morning skies becoming partly cloudy by afternoon.  Highs in the seasonable mid to upper 60s.  North winds early becoming easterly by later afternoon 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR WEDNESDAY: 5
WEDNESDAY: Cool and overcast for most of the day with occasional periods of light rain developing by afternoon.  Temperatures start in the mid 40s and may not get above 60° during the afternoon.  Steady cool east wind 10-15 mph.

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Sunday, February 17, 2013

Week Starts Wet


By Gene Norman
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After a weekend that featured cool mornings and evenings with fairly mild afternoons, a change is on the way to start the week.  The graphic above depicts a forecast for rain on Monday, developing as early as the morning rush hour.  So get the rain gear ready; it'll be a soggy day.  Some of the storms may become a bit stronger north of Houston, but most of what we'll see here in town will be general rain showers with an occasional rumble of thunder.

Late this Sunday afternoon, clouds began appearing along the coast in response to increased southerly winds. That wind shift occurs ahead of the front triggering Monday's rain.  Expect a few cool days after the front, followed by a stronger storm system bringing an increased threat of severe weather by Thursday.

TONIGHT: Partly to mostly cloudy with spotty, brief showers developing by sunrise.  Temperatures slowly fall through the mid 60s to only the low 60s by morning.  Breezy southerly winds 10-15 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR MONDAY: 5
MONDAY: Cloudy with scattered morning showers and some thunderstorms developing by afternoon.  Milder with temperatures in the mid 70s.  Early southerly winds 10-15 mph becoming northwesterly 15-20 mph by late evening.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR TUESDAY: 6
TUESDAY: Cool start with temperatures starting in the upper 40s and only slowly rising to the mid 60.  Lingering morning clouds give way to some sunshine by afternoon.  Brisk north winds 10-15 mph.

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Friday, February 15, 2013

Clouds Roll In Tonight


By Gene Norman
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Late this afternoon, clouds began to thicken up as a cool front made its way toward Southeast Texas.  Above is what the skies over the Woodlands Mall looked like late this afternoon.  There could even be a few spotty showers this evening, but by morning, any sign of that front will be long gone.  In its place, a return of the sunny skies we saw Thursday along with a cooler drier feel.  High pressure settling in over the region delivers a chilly night Saturday and a cool start to Sunday.  The second half of the weekend should be slightly warmer before a series of cold fronts moves through Monday and again on Thursday of next week.  Each frontal passage brings the promise of showers and possibly thunderstorms.  However, fans and visitors to Houston this weekend for the 2013 NBA All-Star festivities won't need to worry much about rain, just a cool feel.  Look for plenty of stylish winter wear.

TONIGHT: Partly to mostly cloudy with spotty, brief passing showers possible.  Temperatures hold in the low 50s early on, but quickly drop into the upper 30s once the clouds move out before sunrise.  Winds becoming northerly 10-15 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR SATURDAY: 8
SATURDAY: Sunny, breezy and cool; a day for a jacket or coat.  Highs may not get to 60°.  Steady northwest winds 15-20 mph.  Cool in the evening under clear skies, temperatures slip into the mid 40s.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR SUNDAY: 8
SUNDAY: Cold start with some neighborhoods north of Houston waking up to the low 30s. upper 30s in Houston and mid 40s along the coast.  Sunny morning skies become partly cloudy by afternoon.  Highs in the mid 60s.  Southerly winds 5-10 mph.  Temperatures will be in the mild low 60s with a steady breeze as fans head to Toyota Center to see the NBA's best shine.


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Thursday, February 14, 2013

NBA All-Star Weekend Weather

By Gene Norman

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Houston is set to welcome hundreds of thousands of fans to the 2013 NBA All-Star festivities, which kick off tomorrow.  There's plenty for hoops fans of all ages at the FanFest at the George R Brown, but the hottest tickets will be for the actual events in Toyota Center.  Fortunately, everything is indoors and the weather should be quite nice, albeit a little cool.  A fast-moving cold front arrives Friday, briefly returning clouds to the skies, but as high pressure builds in Saturday, cool sunshine returns.  Clouds arrive again late Sunday just before the actual game tip-off, but rain should hold off until Monday.  


TONIGHT: Clear and cool, becoming chilly by morning with lows in the upper 30s north of town, low 40s in town and upper 40s along the coast.  Winds southeast 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR FRIDAY: 7
FRIDAY: Mostly sunny early, followed by increasing clouds during the afternoon, increased wind and a much drier feel.  Overnight, there may be brief periods of spotty light rain.  Highs in the low 60s.  North winds 10-15 mph.  

NORMAN NUMBER FOR SATURDAY: 8
SATURDAY: Sunny, breezy and cool.  Morning temperatures start in the mid to upper 30s in town, with some spots north of the city seeing a light freeze.  A day for a jacket or coat with steady northwest winds 15-20 mph.  Temperatures may not get to 60°.


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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Valentine's Day Chill


By Gene Norman
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Hope Cupid's arrow finds it's mark tomorrow.  At least the weather will be perfect for - snuggling.  Here's how chilly it will be across Texas Thursday morning:




Thursday evening will be cool as well.  An approaching cold front Friday keeps temperatures chilly though the end of the week,  As for that chance of snow or sleet; its still there for sometime Friday, but again, the chances are highest north of Houston.  That second push of cool air means it will be cool for the upcoming NBA All-Star weekend in Houston.

TONIGHT: Clear and cool, becoming chilly by morning with lows in the upper 30s in Houston and mid 30s north of Houston.  Some locations north of Conroe could briefly drop to the freezing mark.  Winds light to near calm.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR THURSDAY: 8
THURSDAY: Sunny and chilly early, becoming a bit milder by afternoon.  Highs in the mid to upper 60s.  A few high clouds develop toward late afternoon.  Northeast winds early becoming westerly by afternoon 5-10 mph.  

NORMAN NUMBER FOR FRIDAY: 6
FRIDAY: Overcast, cool and breezy. Brief pockets of light rain, possibly mixed with sleet, especially far north of Houston early in the day.  Highs in the low 60s.  Northeast winds 5-10 mph.

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Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Bundle Up, Cold Makes A Comeback

By Gene Norman
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Yeah, I know, today's rain was a non-event.  Most of the heavy, steady showers I expected to see here developed far north of us and continued moving that way.  All we saw were a lot of low clouds, fog and some drizzle.  Now, we're getting ready for a return of colder weather despite an accompanying return of much-needed sunshine.  Here's a look at low temperatures the next few days:




The upper-level wind flow that brought the last few dreary days will finally change direction from southwest to more northwest.  That opens the door for colder air from the Rockies to swing into Southeast Texas, making for the chilly mornings mentioned above.  A stronger push of colder air arrives Friday and some computer models are hinting that there may be just enough moisture to allow for sleet or snow to fall, mainly north of Houston.  That's still a few days off, though and a LOT has to happen for us to see the white stuff anywhere near the Bayou City.

TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy, becoming cooler.  Temperatures falling to the mid 40s by sunrise. Northwest wind 10-15 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR WEDNESDAY: 7
WEDNESDAY: Early clouds quickly give way to increasing sunshine.  Remaining brisk and cool with highs near 60°.  Northwest winds 10-15 early decreasing to 5-10 mph by late afternoon.  

NORMAN NUMBER FOR THURSDAY: 8
THURSDAY: Sunny and chilly early with a few high clouds returning by late afternoon.  Temperatures in the morning start in the upper 30s and low 40s, rising to the low to mid 60s.  Winds gradually become westerly 5-10 mph.


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Monday, February 11, 2013

Over-running Rain


By Gene Norman
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It's b-a-a-c-k...the weather pattern known as "over-running", which plagued us at the beginning of January.  The encore performance is making for a dismal start to the week, but if you can hold on for a few days - you will see the sun - eventually.  Tonight an tomorrow, however, will be dreary, damp and cool.  The recipe is simple: northeast winds at the surface keep temperatures cool while milder air aloft streams in from the southwest.  This map shows the surface winds as thin lines with arrows overlaid on surface temperatures:


Below is the depiction of the wind flow at 18,000 feet:


Periodic impulses in that flow allow showers and a few rumbles of thunder to move across Southeast Texas.  This morning, it was cold enough aloft to allow for ice pellets to reach the ground.  There were quite a few reports of brief pea-sized hail.  It's not out of the question that a few thunderstorms may allow for a repeat late tonight and early Tuesday.

This pattern should break down by early Wednesday as the upper-level winds all shift to the northwest.  That will allow cooler air to arrive in time for Valentine's Day.  A stronger push of cold air arrives during NBA All-Star weekend, so get your stylish winter wear ready!

TONIGHT: Cloudy, cool with occasional periods of light rain. Thunderstorms possible toward early morning.  Temperatures holding in the low to mid 50s. Northeast wind 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR TUESDAY: 5
TUESDAY: Showers and thunderstorms through mid-afternoon.  Rain tapering off by late afternoon, but skies remaining mostly cloudy.  Turning colder during the late evening.  Daytime highs in the mid to upper 60s, then falling through the 50s during the evening.  Northeast winds early 5-10 mph become east 10-15 by late afternoon then west-northwest by evening 15-20 mph.  

NORMAN NUMBER FOR WEDNESDAY: 7
WEDNESDAY: Early clouds quickly give way to sunshine.  Remaining cool and breezy.  Temperatures in the morning start in the upper 40s, rising to the low 60s.  Steady northwest winds 15-20 mph.


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Sunday, February 10, 2013

Damp & Cool Days Ahead

By Gene Norman

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Get set for a week that starts with little sun, some rain and a chill in the air. Perhaps it could be the perfect recipe for lovers, looking for an excuse to snuggle on Valentine's Day. The first of several cold fronts slipped across Southeast Texas today; it hangs up along the coast tonight and tomorrow. The image above depicts clouds and rain lingering Monday along the stalled front. Meanwhile, a series of upper level disturbances will ride over the stalled boundary producing periodic bouts of rain. A stronger cold front arrives by mid-week, putting an end to the rain, ushering in colder days. A final push of cold air greets visitors to the Bayou City for next weekend's NBA All-Star festivities.

TONIGHT: Cloudy, breezy and cool with occasional light rain. Temperatures holding in the low to mid 50s. Northeast wind 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR MONDAY: 6
MONDAY: Cloudy, cool with occasional periods of light rain. Temperatures barely getting above 60°. Steady northeast winds 10-15 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR TUESDAY: 5
TUESDAY: Cloudy with periods of rain becoming steadier and more widespread through the day. Rainfall amounts approach 1/2"-1". Temperatures in the morning start in the mid 50s, rising to the low to mid 60s with north and northeast winds 5-10 mph.


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Saturday, February 9, 2013

Changes On The Way



By Gene Norman
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Today's clouds are just the beginning of more changes headed our way.  The image above depicts an approaching cold front moving through Texas Sunday.  Scattered showers and thunderstorms develop ahead of the front.  Can't rule out a few of the storms briefly becoming strong to severe.  The best chance for that will be late Sunday night going into early Monday morning.  Here's the latest severe outlook from the Storm Prediction Center:



The front is expected to linger along the coast Monday keeping the rain chance around.  A push of colder air arrives behind the front for the middle of next week and an even stronger push of cold air returns a winter feel by Valentine's Day.

TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy with occasional spotty rain.  Breezy and mild with temperatures in the mid to upper 60s.  Southeast winds 10-15 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR SUNDAY: 6
SUNDAY: Low clouds and fog with light rain.  Scattered showers and thunderstorms develop in the afternoon.  Some storms may become severe, especially north and east of Houston.  Mild, breezy and balmy in the morning with temperatures starting in the upper 60s, climbing to the mid 70s by afternoon.  Southwest winds 10-15 mph shifting to northwest 10-15 mph by late evening.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR MONDAY: 5
MONDAY: Low clouds with occasional light rain.  Remaining cloudy, noticeably cooler.  Morning temperatures in the low 50s and only rising to the mid to upper 60s by afternoon.  Steady northeast winds 10-15 mph.

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Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Final Mardi Gras Weekend


By Gene Norman
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Hope you're enjoying the return of the sun today, because we're headed for some changes this weekend and next week. A cold front will emerge from the Rockies late Sunday and head for Southeast Texas. In advance of the front, southeast winds return and so do the clouds. Rain is more likely Sunday, but there could some Saturday as well. So, if you're headed to the big Mardi Gras parade Saturday night, bring the rain gear.

The front stalls along the coast meaning a dreary start to next week before a stronger push of cold air arrives, bringing a return of a more winter feel just before Valentine's Day.



TONIGHT: Partly cloudy early, with increasing cloudiness after midnight. Temperatures falling to upper 40s and low 50s.   Northeast winds becoming easterly 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR SATURDAY: 7
SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy for most of the day with occasional periods of rain. Increasing rain chances by evening.  Temperatures start cool in the low 50s rising to the upper 60s by afternoon.  Southeast winds 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR SUNDAY: 6
SUNDAY: Low clouds and fog early, then a mostly cloudy day with scattered showers increasing in coverage by afternoon and evening.  Morning temperatures in the low to 60s, climbing to the milder 70s by afternoon.   Southerly winds 10-15 mph.

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After The Rain


By Gene Norman
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About the best thing we can say about today's rain - at least it didn't spoil a weekend day.  Hope you got to where you needed to without too much hassle but it sure has been a mess.  Looks now that the worst may be past us, but can't rule out a few more brief, passing showers.  The upper-level disturbance triggering the downpours will slowly move away from us overnight, giving us a break from the rain.  We'll see a mixed bag the next few days before the return of more rain and winter's chill next week.

Since the source of today's rain isn't a cold front, don't expect a big cool down once the rains do come to an end sometime overnight.  Instead, a quick return of a moist southeast flow keeps us muggy and mild.  Looking down the road toward the weekend, I'm still tracking a strong cold front which will trigger more rain Saturday night (Mardi Gras revelers take note) going into Sunday.  THAT rain will be followed by a big drop in temperatures and a return of the "overrunning" pattern that was common at the beginning of January.

TONIGHT: Cloudy with occasional showers then areas of dense fog developing overnight.  Mild with temperatures falling to the upper 50s and low 60s.  Winds becoming northwesterly 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR THURSDAY: 7
THURSDAY: Morning fog, then skies slowly clearing through the afternoon.  Temperatures remain mild, rising to upper 70s by afternoon.  Northwest wind becoming northeast 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR FRIDAY: 7
THURSDAY: Low clouds and fog early, then a mild mix of sun and clouds during the afternoon.  Morning temperatures in the mid 50s, climbing to the mid 70s by afternoon.  Southeast winds 5-10 mph.

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Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Wet Wednesday Ahead


By Gene Norman
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Well, today was a much nicer day than anticipated; even after a foggy start.  But is sure was warm and feeling a bit muggy - both factors in the change coming in Wednesday.  As an upper-level disturbance moves in from the west, we have all the right ingredients for a substantial rain event.  Be especially prepared for the possibility of minor street flooding for the ride home tomorrow.  The image above is a computer projection of the heavy rain about to move into Southeast Texas by mid-day.  Once the drops start, they may not stop until early Thursday morning and they will likely be accompanied by some thunder as well.

After that, we'll see a few mild days before a more rain over the weekend (sorry Mardi Gras revelers).  That should be followed by a stronger cold front by Monday night.  Looking further down the road, I still project a bitter cold blast to arrive by Valentine's Day.

TONIGHT: Increasing cloudiness with areas of fog developing overnight into the pre-dawn hours.  Mild with temperatures falling to low to mid 60s.  Winds from the east 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR WEDNESDAY: 4
WEDNESDAY: Foggy and misty morning with rainfall steadily increasing through the day.  Heavy amounts of rain could lead to flooding of low-lying areas and roads.  Use caution while driving, especially during the evening rush hour when the rain could be heaviest.  Showers and thunderstorms are likely overnight into early Thursday.  Temperatures hover in the mid to upper 60s all day.  East winds 10-15 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR THURSDAY: 7
THURSDAY: Morning rain tapers off with skies slowly clearing through the afternoon.  Remaining mild with temperatures beginning in the upper 50s in the morning, climbing to the upper 70s by afternoon.  Southwest winds 5-10 mph.

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Monday, February 4, 2013

How Long It Stays Soggy


By Gene Norman
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Thanks to @MichaelJ0rdan (don't think it's that Jordan), a twitter follower who snapped this great pic of a rainbow near Wildcact Golf Club, south of Houston this afternoon.  If you look closely, you can see the faint double rainbow above the more visible one.  It was visible in between intermittent rounds of rain sparked as an upper-level disturbance drifted across Southeast Texas today.  More of a nuisance than a deluge, but it may be the beginning of a trend over the next few days.  However, there are chances that later this week, the rainfall could become more widespread and may be accompanied by thunder.

As for that cool down; it is still expected to arrive next week, but now the time frame may be pushed out to later in the week.  Several more rounds of rain are expected this weekend lasting into the early part of next week.  So the bottom line is. keep the umbrella handy but you may not need the jackets and coats until after Valentine's Day.

TONIGHT: Cloudy with occasional periods of rain early.  Areas of fog developing overnight into the pre-dawn hours.  Mild with temperatures falling to the upper 50s to near 60.  Winds from the east 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR TUESDAY: 6
TUESDAY: Cloudy with fog lingering through mid-morning; may be dense in spots.  Low clouds, fog lift by mid-morning then skies becoming mostly cloudy in the afternoon with some hints of sun.  Mild with highs in the mid 70s.  East winds 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR WEDNESDAY: 6
WEDNESDAY: Cloudy, foggy and mild in the morning. Mostly cloudy during the afternoon with showers developing into the evening accompanied by occasional thunderstorms.  Lows in the morning in the upper 50s, rising to around 70° by afternoon.  East to southeast winds 5-10 mph.

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Sunday, February 3, 2013

Headed For A Change


By Gene Norman
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Happy Super Bowl Sunday!  Yeah, yeah, I know - Houstonians wished they were partying and rooting on the Texans.  At least JJ Watt received his due recognition as Defensive Player of the year.  As for the weather - well, the NFL should take note of how nice it is here in early February.  Sure, its like that in Nawlins too, but they don't have a retractable roof.

As nice as it is now, we're headed for rapid changes.  Upper-level winds will become more zonal, allowing for increasing cloud cover and a chance for periods of rain this week.  However, don't expect a big drop in temperatures; that will likely arrive next week around the 11th.

TONIGHT: Fair early with gradually increasing clouds developing after midnight.  Mild with temperatures falling to the cooler low 50s by morning.  Winds from the southeast 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR MONDAY: 7
MONDAY: Mostly cloudy and cool with increasing clouds by afternoon with spotty, passing showers.  Steadier rain arrives by evening and lasts overnight.  Highs in the low 70s.  Southeast winds 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR TUESDAY: 6
TUESDAY: Cloudy, foggy and mild in the morning. Skies remain cloudy for the balance of the day with occasional periods of light, passing showers.  Lows in the morning in the mid 50s, rising to 70° by afternoon.  Southeast winds 5-10 mph.

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Saturday, February 2, 2013

Ground Hog Day!

By Gene Norman
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We're at the half-way point of winter, a time to let nature's forecasters take center stage. Most of the nation may rely on Punxsuntawney Phil, a Pennsylvania ground hog to say whether winter will continue, but not so in Texas.  Instead, at Houston's Weather museum Alamo the Longhorn steers (yeah, I know - real corny) the way.  According to lore, if the animal sees his shadow, then winter will continue, but if not, then spring is around the corner.  Museum director Jill Hasling explains why she depends on Alamo: 




Not sure what qualifies as "winter" in Houston.  We've only seen a handful of really cold days and the second half of January has been fairly mild.  There's still a good chance we'll see a cloudy, cool and wet period the week of February 11, but that might be our last chance for a change.  Meanwhile, the rest of this weekend looks good, even as a cool front pushes in overnight.  The main impact will be some brief fog, but Sunday looks good.  A second front quickly returns thicker clouds by late Monday with a better chance of some brief rain.

TONIGHT: Partly to mostly cloudy with periods of fog before sunrise.  Lows in the upper 40s to low 50s.  Winds shift from south to north, light at 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR SUNDAY: 9
SUNDAY: Pre-dawn fog quickly dissipates, rest of the day is mostly sunny and mild with a fresh breeze.  Highs around 70°.  Northeast winds 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR MONDAY: 7
MONDAY: Mostly cloudy and cool in the morning, then increasing clouds by afternoon with a chance for spotty, passing showers by evening.  Lows in the morning in the low 50s, rising to 70° by afternoon.  Southeast winds 5-10 mph.

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Friday, February 1, 2013

Nice Start To February



By Gene Norman

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HELLO Friday!  It's been absolutely gorgeous out there today.  The new month picked up right where the old one left off.  Speaking of that, despite a few brief periods of cool and wet weather at the beginning, January 2013 goes down overall as slightly warmer than normal.  Rainfall was close to typical, only off by .07".  Long range computer models suggest that possibly by the middle of the week of the 11th, we could see a big chill return.  Just in time for Valentine's Day.

Meanwhile, you'll likely love the weather this weekend, especially if you're headed to Galveston for Mardi Gras on Galveston.  Tonight will be cool, keep that in mind if you're headed there.  As for the rest of the weekend - just great.  Mornings in the mid 50s, highs Saturday near 70° and just a touch cooler Sunday.  There may be some fog forming Saturday night in to Sunday morning, so watch out if you're out late.

Believe it or not, but a cool front will sag across Houston this weekend.  It's only impact will be to briefly shift the winds from southeast to north Sunday but it won't bring rain or increased clouds cover.  Like I said at the beginning, a nice way to start February.

And tomorrow is Ground Hog Day, so what will it be?  Seeing a shadow means six more weeks of winter, whereas cloudy skies (no shadow) means Spring is around the corner.  Looks like more winter with sunny skies.  But you can find out for sure by coming down at 11 am to Houston's Weather Museum 5104 Caroline for Ground Hog Day  A Texas longhorn named Alamo is our animal of record.  Hope to see you there!

TONIGHT: Clear, cool and continued dry.  Temperatures falling through the upper 50s in the evening and down to the low 50s by sunrise in Houston.  Some far northern suburbs fall into the mid to upper 40s with upper 50s along the coast.  Light southeast winds 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR SATURDAY: 10
SATURDAY: Cool morning with mostly sunny skies.  Becoming partly cloudy by afternoon.  Highs in the low 70s.  Southeast winds 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR SUNDAY: 9
SUNDAY: Pre-dawn fog which may dissipate shortly after sunrise. Then sunny, slightly cooler and drier.  Lows in the morning in the upper 40s, rising to 70 by afternoon.
Northeast winds 5-10 mph.

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