Total precipitation in Houston in 2024

HOUSTON — So far in 2024, precipitation in Houston has exceeded the average rainfall we typically see for this time of year.

According to the Bush Intercontinental Airport Weather Station, we received about 46 inches of rain as of July 28, 2024. The normal annual rainfall for this time of year in Houston is typically about 28.55 inches. However, the actual total is likely much higher than that. We’ll get to why later in this article.

One reason for the wetter-than-normal weather is that earlier this year, we ended the winter season under an El Niño pattern. The Pacific jet stream then moves farther south, bringing bursts of atmospheric moisture and showers to southeast Texas.

According to the Climate Prediction Center, our climate pattern is transitioning into a La Niña phase during the spring and summer months of 2024. We have entered the “ENSO Neutral” phase, or the neutral phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation. During the ENSO Neutral phase, the climate pattern is neither La Niño nor La Niña. Our weather pattern in southeast Texas is still influenced by the subtropical jet stream, which keeps conditions wetter than normal. Researchers at Florida State University also report that ENSO Neutral phases could lead to increased hurricane activity in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.

As July comes to a close in Houston, the IAH weather station reported a total of 10.3 inches of rain, surpassing the usual 3.4 inches we get for this time of year. However, there are some discrepancies due to a significant weather event that occurred on July 8, 2024.

Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Matagorda in the early morning hours of July 8 and quickly weakened to a tropical storm as it moved northwest of Houston. Meanwhile, widespread power outages and wind damage throughout the city forced the weather station at Bush Intercontinental Airport to stop collecting data. Only 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain was reported, while other rain gauges in Harris County and Houston reported up to 0.8 to 1 inch (20 to 25 mm) of precipitation. It is highly likely that Bush’s annual rainfall total could exceed 50 inches (127 cm) or more for this time of year.

As we begin a new work week, a much-needed break from the rain is expected in Southeast Texas. High pressure will form, keeping rain out and bringing a return to warm, humid conditions. We will shift from flooding concerns to heat concerns as afternoon highs return to the 90s with heat indices in the 100s.

However, keep an eye on the tropics as we approach the peak of hurricane season.