Houston residents are waking up to a noticeably colder holiday morning as Thanksgiving begins with crisp, seasonable temperatures across the region. Morning lows dipped into the 40s, marking a drop of nearly twenty degrees from last week’s early-morning conditions. The cooler air settled in overnight, giving the city a refreshing start to the holiday, while mostly sunny skies are expected to hold throughout the day. The clear weather should provide an ideal backdrop for gatherings, travel, and Thanksgiving meal preparations, with afternoon highs climbing into the 60s under bright sunshine.
The pleasant and stable conditions will extend into Black Friday, offering a comfortable setting for early shoppers heading out in search of holiday deals. Dry weather is expected throughout the day, which will help keep road conditions safer during what is typically one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Morning temperatures will once again start in the 40s, and residents may need to layer up until the sun brings temperatures to more seasonable levels by late morning. Despite the brisk early hours, the overall Black Friday forecast supports smooth travel and outdoor activity.
However, the quiet stretch will be brief. Meteorologists are monitoring a developing storm system expected to reach the Houston area late Saturday into Sunday. This next round of weather may bring heavy downpours, isolated thunderstorms, and the potential for damaging wind gusts. The system will also usher in another push of cold air, resulting in temperatures remaining at or below average into the start of next week. Drivers and travelers planning weekend returns or extended holiday activities should stay alert for possible advisories as the system approaches.
This week’s forecast follows a turbulent start to the holiday period after two tornadoes struck northwest Harris County on Monday. The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF1 tornado with peak winds of 105 miles per hour swept through the Riata Ranch area near Highway 249. Not long after, a stronger EF2 tornado with winds of up to 115 miles per hour moved through the Klein and Spring communities along the Grand Parkway. Both tornadoes carved damaging paths through neighborhoods, tearing apart homes, overturning vehicles, and snapping utility poles that led to several fires sparked by fallen power lines. Although the destruction was significant, officials reported no injuries or fatalities.
As cleanup efforts continue in the affected areas and residents prepare for the remainder of the holiday weekend, weather officials encourage the public to remain aware of changing conditions. With colder mornings, dry holiday travel, and approaching storms, Houston’s weather will shift quickly over the coming days. The return of rain and storms this weekend serves as a reminder of how rapidly conditions can change during the late-fall season across southeast Texas.
