Warm and dry weather persists, drought conditions will get worse
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Well, "Hot-tober" will make its return this week with temperatures climbing back into the 90s and near record levels.
Sunday evening temperatures will fall from the low 80s to upper 50s Monday morning. Monday will be some of the "same ole same ole" that we've become accustomed to this month. That means a mild morning, warm afternoon with temperatures in the mid 80s and lots of sunshine. There will be a few high-level clouds that roll in during the morning and linger throughout the day. An Ozone Pollution Watch is also in place for Monday for Harris, Galveston and Brazoria counties.
When could we see our next chance of rain?
Rain chances look slim to none over the next 10 days, but we are seeing signs that a pattern change around the end of the month could bring back some small rain opportunities.
Does this mean we'll get back into the 90s?
Well...probably yes. We now predict a high of 90 on Thursday, but it could hit 90 as early as Wednesday. And this would be significant for Southeast Texas, likely being the latest Houston has ever hit 90 degrees on record in the fall.
How concerned are you with the current drought conditions?
A Southeast Texas fall drought is a growing concern. The combination of record warm temperatures and no measurable rainfall since September 24th have lead to what's categorized as a "flash drought," where drought conditions settle in quickly because of how warm and dry the forecast is. And with minimal rain chances in the forecast plus a potential La Nina keeping the forecast warmer and drier than normal, the current drought could get much worse over the next few weeks if we don't see several, widespread rain chances in the forecast.
What are you tracking in the tropics?
Hurricane Oscar continues to churn in the Caribbean, but it will not be a threat to the mainland United States. Head to our daily Tropical Update page for a complete look at what we're covering in the tropics.
13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
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