June cold front soon heralds next chance of rain for Houston

High atmospheric pressure will be the dominant feature of the forecast this weekend. Still, the associated heat dome spared Houston the worst of its extreme heat this week.

While parts of the Lone Star State have dealt with several consecutive days of triple-digit temperatures, it’s been hot in Houston — but not that hot, at least so far. The 100-degree heat will persist west of Houston, but next week a cold front could soon bring slightly milder weather.

In the presence of high atmospheric pressure, air sinks toward the ground. This downward movement has two important effects: it prevents storms from forming and causes an increase in air temperature. Typical highs in early June are usually in the 90s, so this weekend’s heat is not record heat or even record heat.

Weekend high temperatures will be within a degree or two of the typical early June high, usually between 94 and 96 degrees. Southeast winds will bring atmospheric moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and help push dew points into the 70s. Such high humidity levels will result in lower daytime heat index values , or “felt” temperatures, between 100 and 105 degrees.

If you’re spending time outside this weekend, stay hydrated and take it easy. If you’re new to the Houston heat, give your body time to acclimate and be aware of how heat-related illnesses can manifest.

After a hot and dry weekend, the heat dome that ignited the western United States will move a little. This will leave Southeast Texas open as a cold front approaches by Monday. Although Houston’s cold fronts are not uncommon in June, they make for a nice sight before the main act of summer takes center stage.

Widespread showers and storms are expected to be the result of this approaching cold front, although forecast models generally avoid severe weather and flooding. This is great news because April and May were prolific months for wind damage and flooding in Houston. But we could see a few days of unsettled weather through midweek as the cold front stalls along the coast.

It’s no feat for a cold front to bear down on Southeast Texas during the first month of meteorological summer.

Last year, several cold fronts approached Houston before losing steam and transitioning into a stationary front. What you shouldn’t expect is a lot of “cold” air. If you want, you will have to go to the southern hemisphere to experience winter at this time of year or wait until October or November closer to home.

This upcoming cold front will bring highs in the mid 90s this weekend to levels perhaps as low as the upper 80s north of Houston. Through the middle of next week, Houston will likely see its highs remain in the 90s. While it won’t be much cooler, it’s closer to what is typical for early June.