Houston weather forecast: Saharan haze continues, but so does a small chance for rain

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Saharan haze continues to blow in from the Gulf of Mexico, and it will get progressively thicker through Friday. Those of you sensitive to the dust may notice your allergies and asthma flaring up.

A small rain chance is still present despite the dust, but it’s only around 20%. Temperatures Friday will start near our seasonal average low of 75 then warm into the mid 90s during the afternoon. Any storm that pops up could generate briefly heavy rain, lightning, and wind gusts over 30 mph.

How long will the Saharan dust stick around?

The thickest part of the dust cloud will impact us through Friday. Then it will thin out on Saturday. We should be almost completely dust-free by Sunday.

What is the forecast for the weekend?

With less dust in the sky, temperatures will likely climb a degree or two hotter in the afternoons, pushing temperatures back near 100. There’s a less than 20% chance someone could get a sea breeze shower or storm, but don’t count on any rain for your lawn.

How are rain chances looking for next week?

It’s looking more bleak by the minute. The center of the heat ridge is now expected to park right over us for most of the week, keeping rain chances near zero percent. High temperatures are now expected to peak at or above 100 degrees every day next week.

What else are you monitoring in the tropics right now?

In addition to the Saharan dust, we’re monitoring a tropical wave over the central Atlantic that has a medium chance for development over the next 7 days. For a full overview of what’s happening in the tropics, head to our Tropical Update page.

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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