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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