Different Kind of Spring Break

This time, we're getting a break from Spring weather. The front that literally blew through Southeast Texas today allows a cold air mass to settle in. It means several mornings in the 30s and we may not see 70° weather until Thursday or Friday. We may even see some records fall.

The College Station record for tonight is 33° (1955), Bush's record is 36° (2006), Hobby is 37° (2006). The forecasts for those locations are 32°, 35° and 36°, respectively.

It will be cold as well Tuesday morning and challenge these records as well: Bush 30° (1955), College Station 33° (1955) and Hobby 31° (1955).

Or drought is deepening too. Underwhelming rainfall this weekend didn't help either. For the year, we're down 4.15". Compare that to last year, when we had a 17" surplus.

Next chance for rain isn't likely until next weekend.

TONIGHT: Clear and chilly with a light north breeze. By morning, temperatures slip into the low to mid 30s from Houston northward, mid 40s along the coast.

MONDAY: Sunny and unusually cool with much less wind. Highs barely above 60°.

TUESDAY: Chilly morning followed by a milder afternoon. Mostly sunny skies. Highs in the mid 60s.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR MONDAY, MARCH 25 IS 9

Soggy Weekend?

We're headed into the first full weekend of Spring on a cloudy, balmy note. An approaching cool front will spark showers but does it mean a complete weekend washout? How about a 50/50 weekend? Looks like the latter will be case with Saturday possibly being quite stormy. A computer model I trust shows clouds and rain showing up Saturday morning. There could be a few isolated severe storms too, especially by afternoon, so be weather aware. The front moves through early Sunday and leaves behind a refreshing change. Cool and dry northwest winds make for a nicer day to head out to the Bayou City Arts Festival, get in the garden or whatever gets you going. Enjoy the weekend! Next week, it won't feel much like Spring with crisp mornings and cool afternoons. We might not get above 70° until week's end!

Norman Number for Saturday is a 7.

TONIGHT: Cloudy, breezy and balmy with occasional periods of light rain. Lows in the mid to upper 60s with steady southeast winds 5-10 mph.

SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy with periods of rain early. Stronger showers and thunderstorms likely during the late afternoon and evening. Highs in the low 80s.

SUNDAY: Early clouds exit quickly leading to abundant sunshine. Much cooler and drier with highs in the low 60s. Gusty northwest winds 15-20 mph. Good for kite flying, not so much for those blessed with hair.

Stormy Night For Some

By Gene Norman

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Several counties, indicated in blue above could see the sky crackle tonight as a line of storms developing in the Hill Country comes rolling this way.  Right now, the closest counties to Houston in the watch are Brazos (College Station), Washington, Austin and Colorado.  Can't rule out a few storms making their way into the Houston area too.  The biggest threat this evening is large hail and damaging wind gusts.  The storms are the result of an upper-air disturbance lifting a warm, unstable air mass over Central and Southeast Texas.  The current watch goes through midnight, but it is possible that the watch may be extended to include more of the Houston metro area if the storms hold together.

Once the rain moves out overnight, we're in for a few nice days before the next change.  By the end of the week, cloudy skies return along with muggy air and a chance for showers through the weekend.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20:

TONIGHT: Showers and thunderstorms, some strong move across during the evening and overnight hours.  Temperatures fall through the mid to upper 50s after the rain moves through.  Breezy east and northeast winds by morning.

WEDNESDAY: Early morning low clouds quickly lift revealing a mostly sunny day with a light and dry northeast wind.  Highs in the mid 70s.

THURSDAY: Mostly sunny and cool early on, becoming cloudy, breezy and muggier by afternoon.  Morning lows in the mid to upper 40s, highs in the mid 70s.  Southerly winds 15-20 mph.

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Scorcher!

By Gene Norman

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Spring is just two days away but instead of winter, it's felt like summer today.  Hobby and College Station hit 88°, setting new records for this date.  Bush tied the 1907 record of 89°.  A surge of warm air ahead of an approaching cold front set the stage for today's unusual warmth.  The front will be short-lived however, so don't expect a big temperature drop Tuesday.  A fast-moving disturbance racing out of the Hill Country is set to bring some brief showers here late Tuesday into early Wednesday.  The front slides back northward as a warm front bringing cloudy skies with occasional periods of light rain as Spring begins Wednesday.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 19:

TONIGHT: Fair early with partly to mostly cloudy skies by developing after midnight.  Lows in the mid 50s in Houston, low 50s to the north and low 60s along the coast.

TUESDAY: Early morning low clouds lift and skies become partly cloudy by afternoon.  Warm, but not record heat.  Spotty showers developing by early evening.  Highs in the upper 70s.  Southeast winds 5-10 mph.

WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with periods of light rain early, then skies become mostly to partly cloudy.  Highs in the mid 70s, northeast winds 5-10 mph.

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More Of The Same

By Gene Norman

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Are you ready for more days like this?  That sun-drenched shot comes from the University of Houston campus looking toward the heart of the Bayou City.  Get used to more of the same because there's very little change expected in this wonderful weather pattern which rounds out Spring Break week.  About the only thing that might be a little different by the time we get to Friday is there may be a few fair weather clouds.  That will be primarily due to an increase in low-level moisture and humidity as southeast winds return.  However, there's no sign of rain anywhere until possibly Monday or Tuesday of next week.  

As mentioned yesterday, pollen continues to be an issue for allergy sufferers - the only blemish in our great weather.  Check the latest pollen count here.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 14:

TONIGHT: Fair and mild, light winds. Lows in the mid 40 to upper 40s in Houston, low 40s for far north neighborhoods and mid 50s along the coast.

THURSDAY: Mostly sunny, continued mild.  Highs in the mid 70s with light southeast winds 5-10 mph.

FRIDAY: Mostly sunny with occasional fair weather clouds.  Highs in the mid 70s, southeast winds 5-10 mph.

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Spring Break!

By Gene Norman

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Here's a gorgeous shot overlooking Galveston Island's Moody Gardens.  The weather just couldn't be better for everyone out and about enjoying Spring Break.  It doesn't look like there will be any change on the Island either for the next few days.  Expect morning lows in the mid 50s and afternoon highs close to or slightly higher than 70°.  Back in Houston, the weather is perfect for all the folks enjoying the rodeo.  Again, no change is expected, with the exception that the mornings won't be quite as chilly as they were today.  I hope you get a chance to enjoy this great weather.

The only problem is a continued high tree pollen count.  Milder weather a few weeks ago, set the pollen off and periodic gusty wind episodes are bringing the pollen from North Texas into our neck of the woods.  Check the latest pollen count here.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13:

TONIGHT: Clear and mild, light winds. Lows in the mid 40s in Houston, upper 30s for far north neighborhoods and mid 50s along the coast.

WEDNESDAY: Sunny, mild and continued dry.  Highs in the low 70s with light north and northeast winds 5-10 mph.

THURSDAY: Mostly sunny and continued mild.  Just a touch more humid.  Highs in the mid 70s, southeast winds 5-10 mph.

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Chilly Night

Are you enjoying the extra daylight? You probably would more if it was a hair warmer and no doubt less windy. Not the best day at the beach, but that will change over the next few days. The high pressure cell that brought in today's cool and breezy weather will gradually slide to our east the next few days. Tonight will be the coldest of the week and by Wednesday with the return of southeast winds, it will feel much nicer. Only problem - pollen count still quite high with ash, pine, oak and birch the main culprits. Low tonight: 37°, High Tuesday: 70°, so with plenty of sunshine, I'll peg the Norman Number at 9 (I deduct one for the chilly start).

Soggy Sunday Ahead

Clouds abound on this Saturday and an approaching cold front brings showers, along with aome stronger rumbles of thunder during the day tomorrow. Looks like most of the rain arrives from mid-morning through the evening. Be sure to keep the umbrella handy and be prepared for wet roads. The picture below shows what Sunday morning looks like across Texas. The rain keeps temperatures in the 60s with southeast winds. Cooler weather moves in Monday after the front passes and winds shift from the northwest.

Don't forget to turn the clocks back tonight before you go to bed. We'll lose an hour, but gain that back with more late day sun. Great for spending time outdoors during this Spring Break week. After Monday, the rest of the week looks great - cool mornings, then seasonable afternoons. No rain chances either; perfect to enjoy the rodeo or whatever!

Showers moving through on Sunday make for a Norman Number of 6.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR SATURDAY MARCH 9

The cloud cover that moved in Friday lingers into the weekend. Don't be too surprised if you see a spotty sprinkle Saturday, but the rain chances really go up tomorrow. Breezy southeast winds continue to keep it feeling mild and just a touch more humid. Lo:58/Hi:76

NORMAN NUMBER FOR FRIDAY, MARCH 8

Starting today, the blog will modify a bit. Introducing the Norman Norman logo and icon. When appropriate, I'll post more details, especially when big weather changes are on the way.

Clouds increase Friday as southeast winds moisten up the atmosphere. That means it'll feel a bit warmer and not as dry as in recent days. No rain-that holds off until late in the weekend. Lo:54/Hi:72

What do YOU think about tomorrow's Norman Number? Agree, disagree? Post your comments and share!

Smooth Sailing

By Gene Norman

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Wow! Wasn't today just GREAT!!  Perhaps you ditched work or that class (don't worry, I won't tell).  While the next few days won't look as spectacular as today, we will enjoy nice weather right into the start of the turn-your-clocks-ahead weekend.  High pressure parked over the state now slowly slips to our east, bringing back a moister southeast flow off the Gulf.  That will mean more clouds too but rain probably won't return until late Sunday.  

TONIGHT: Fair skies, not quite as cold.  Lows by morning in the low to mid 40s in Housto with a smattering of upper 30s for northern suburbs.  Light northeast winds becoming east by morning 2-5 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR THURSDAY IS: 9

THURSDAY.  Mostly sunny and milder.  Highs close to 70°.  East winds becoming southeast through the day 10-15 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR FRIDAY IS: 8
FRIDAY: Partly to mostly cloudy but still feeling mild.  Briefly cool in the morning with temperatures starting in the upper 40s and low 50s but climbing to the low 70s by afternoon.  Steady southeast breeze 10-15 mph.  

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Up Again, Down Again

By Gene Norman

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Our yo-yo temperatures continue; which is what you would expect as periodic cold front slip across the state.  Yesterday's 80° has been replaced by much cooler air and tonight, we're headed for another chilly evening.  By morning, lows across the state look like this:

With high pressure controlling our weather the next few days, we won't see much change until the weekend, when a moister southeast flow develops.  Next rain chance possible late Sunday as the next cool front approaches.  Great weather ahead for Spring Breakers next week too.

TONIGHT: Clear skies, less windy.  Cooler with temperatures quickly falling through the mid 50s in the evening and into the upper 30s by morning.  North winds 10-15 mph in the early evening, gradually weaken to 2-5 mph overnight.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR WEDNESDAY IS: 8

WEDNESDAY: Sunny, cool and very dry.  Morning temperatures start in the upper 30s with mid 30s north of Houston.  Highs climb into the mid 60s with a north wind 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR THURSDAY IS: 9
THURSDAY: Mostly sunny, milder.  Morning temperatures start in the low 40s with upper 30s north of Houston.  Highs climb close to 70°.  Northeast winds 5-10 mph.

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The Week Ahead

By Gene Norman

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Here' a great shot of Galveston's Pleasure Pier on a resplendent Sunday.  Yes, we did start chilly, but rebounded nicely this afternoon.  Late this afternoon Houston topped out near 70° and Galveston ended up about 10 degrees cooler.  Southerly winds made the difference and those same winds will prevent a repeat of this morning's light freeze.  A cold front arrives early Tuesday to give us our next, albeit weak, rain chance.  That will be followed by another cool, windy period lasting through mid-week.  Temperatures moderate by week's end.  And don't forget, we lose a hour of sleep next Saturday night as Daylight Saving Time returns.

TONIGHT: Clear and milder with temperatures falling through the upper 50s in the evening.  By morning, lows only drop into low 50s.  Southerly winds 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR MONDAY IS: 8

MONDAY: Mostly sunny early with partly cloudy skies developing by late afternoon.  Much warmer, with highs in the mid to upper 70s.  Gusty southerly winds 15-20 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR TUESDAY IS: 6
TUESDAY: Cloudy morning with brief passing showers.  Gradually clearing skies by afternoon.  Turning much cooler with temperatures only rising to the mid 60s.  Gusty northwest winds 15-20 mph.

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Happy Birthday Texas!

By Gene Norman

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That's right - tomorrow marks the 177th anniversary of Texas' Independence and its also the Dynamo season opener at BBVA and by the way, the rodeo is in full swing.  There's a LOT going on this weekend.  As for the weather - well, it looks like we're going to remain in this cool pattern so keep the warm weather gear handy, especially in the morning.  In fact Saturday night it could be downright COLD.  Soccer fans - wear a sweater or coat; BBVA is an open air venue.  Also, if you were headed to get an early start on buying those spring flowers this weekend, I'd hold off a bit.  

Late this afternoon, a batch of mid and high level clouds began pushing in from the north.  Here's the view from the Woodlands:  

The clouds are part of an upper-level disturbance that moves in overnight.  Aloft, temperatures are cold enough to support possible snow, but because the air near the ground will be very dry and just slightly above freezing, I doubt we'll see any flakes.  BUT, its not out of the question for a fortunate few late tonight north of town.  Once the clouds move out Saturday morning, we'll see a return of sunshine, but gusty northwest winds will have you grabbing for a jacket.  Temperatures moderate back to the 70s by Monday.

Whatever you're doing - enjoy the weekend!

TONIGHT: Partly cloudy skies early becoming mostly cloudy after midnight.  Cold with temperatures falling through the mid 40s in the evening.  By morning, lows drop below freezing north of Houston, in the mid 30s in Houston and low 40s along the coast.  Northwest wind 5-10 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR SATURDAY IS: 7

SATURDAY: Sunny, but cold, windy and very dry.  Highs in the mid to upper 50s.  Steady north winds 10-15 mph.

NORMAN NUMBER FOR SUNDAY IS: 9
SUNDAY: Freezing cold start with morning temperatures in the upper 20s north of Houston, at or slightly above 32° in town and in the upper 30s along the coast.  Becoming milder by afternoon with abundant sunshine.  Highs in the low 60s.  Winds becoming east to southeast 5-10 mph.

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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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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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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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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
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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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Week Starts Wet

By Gene Norman
Follow @genenormanwx on twitter

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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Clouds Roll In Tonight

By Gene Norman
Follow @genenormanwx on twitter

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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NBA All-Star Weekend Weather

By Gene Norman

Follow @genenormanwx on twitter

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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