Storms possible on either side of Christmas Day
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Rain chances and warmer temperatures are back as our weather goes through several changes for this holiday week.
We started off Monday cool with lows in the 40s but temperatures will stay in the 70s all afternoon. A brief passing shower is possible through this evening as moisture levels rise, but most of us will stay dry.
And watch out Santa! Rain chances increase during the day Christmas Eve... peaking overnight into the very early morning hours of Wednesday as a weak front brings a line of thunderstorms through Southeast Texas. An isolated hailstorm with gusty winds cannot be ruled out the night of Christmas Eve. Thankfully, those storms should be gone by the time the sun comes up on Christmas Day, with just a few lingering showers possible.
What's the overall outlook for the holiday week?
It will be a warmer than average Christmas week in Southeast Texas with lows generally in the 60s and highs in the 70s. This warmup comes with an increase in rain chances as several weather systems move in and out of the region this week. Isolated rain will be possible Tuesday morning but rain will become a bit more scattered in the afternoon to evening. It looks like the best chance of rain Tuesday will come overnight. We could see some leftover rain early Christmas but we should dry out by mid to late morning. Another round of rain moves in Thursday.
Could we see any severe weather this week?
It's a possibility, but the chance is low. We could see a few strong to even severe storms Tuesday night as our first storm system moves in. Winds over 60 mph and hail around 1" in diameter will be the main threats. We could possibly see another chance for severe storms late Thursday when a stronger storm system blows through the state.
When could we get our first freeze in Houston?
We see no signs of freezing temperatures in southeast Texas over the next 10 days. Long-range projections indicate a pattern change is coming around New Year's Day that should lead to chillier weather and chance for a freeze during the first two weeks of January. On average, Houston's first freeze occurs during the second week of December.
13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
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