More ozone pollution problems predicted for Thursday, rain returns to Houston next week

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Thursday brings another round of hot temps and ozone pollution, but changes are coming this weekend that set the stage for multiple rain chances next week.

After unhealthy levels of ozone pollution were observed Wednesday afternoon, the air quality should improve overnight since it takes sunshine to create ozone. Temperatures will drop back into the mid-to-upper 60s overnight. With humidity reaching near 100%, some patchy light fog is possible, especially outside of Houston. Abundant sunshine today will boost high temperatures into the low 90s. With light southerly winds, ozone pollution problems could pop up in Houston-area neighborhoods, especially near and north of I-10. Ozone is a lung irritant that can trigger asthma attacks and dry coughs in sensitive individuals.

When will the ozone problems go away?

The Gulf breeze will get stronger on Friday and even stronger over the weekend, helping to clean up the air and improve air quality.

When does the moisture surge back in?

You'll really feel the humidity going up this weekend as that strong Gulf breeze kicks in. The rise in moisture levels will also bring small chances of rain into the forecast over the weekend. We have a 10% chance Saturday and 20% chance Sunday. You'll really notice the extreme steam by Sunday, but it will be partially offset by the strong winds gusting up to 40 mph at times.

I hear a bigger rainmaker is coming next week. What's the latest on that?

We are eyeing an upper level storm to impact us Monday through most of the work week that could bring more widespread rain to Southeast Texas. Details are sketchy at this time, but we'll keep you posted! For now we have rain chances at 40% to 60% for most of the work week.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

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