Honestly, if you stepped outside in Houston early this morning expecting that mild, humid soup we usually live in, you probably got a rude awakening. It's officially "big coat" weather, or at least "heavy hoodie" weather for the locals who refuse to admit it's actually cold.
The temperature today in Houston is sitting at a crisp 54°F as of the early morning hours, but that number is a bit of a liar. Thanks to a steady 12 mph wind coming straight out of the north, the "feels like" temp is actually closer to 50°F. If you’re heading out the door, you're going to feel every bit of that northern chill hitting the humidity-depleted air. Speaking of which, the humidity has bottomed out to around 38%, which is basically desert-level for us.
The Cold Front Reality Check
We’ve been watching this front barrel down through the Plains all week, and it finally cleared the ship channel last night. What’s interesting is how fast the mercury is going to move today. While we are starting in the mid-50s, the official high for Saturday, January 17, 2026, isn't going much further. We are looking at a high of 56°F.
That’s it. That’s the peak.
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Most people see "sunny" on their weather app and think it’ll warm up by lunchtime. Not today. The sun is out, sure, but that north wind is acting like a giant refrigerator fan. By tonight, things get even more serious. We are plunging toward a low of 34°F. That is dangerously close to a freeze, especially for those of you with sensitive tropical plants still sitting on the patio.
Why It Feels Colder Than the Thermometer Says
Houstonians are famous for complaining when the temp hits 50, but there’s actual science behind the misery. Our bodies are acclimated to high moisture. When a dry continental polar air mass—which is exactly what this is—moves in, the sweat on your skin evaporates way faster. It literally sucks the heat right off you.
- Wind Speed: 13 mph sustained (North)
- Relative Humidity: Dropping as low as 26% by mid-afternoon
- UV Index: 3 (Low, but the sun is deceptive)
- Precipitation: Basically zero (10% chance this morning, effectively 0% tonight)
If you're west of the Brazos River, you should probably be even more careful. The National Weather Service actually has a Red Flag Warning in effect for areas just outside the city because the air is so dry and the winds are so gusty. One stray cigarette butt or a spark from a lawnmower could start a brush fire in seconds. It's a weird irony—being cold and worried about fires at the same time.
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Surviving the 34-Degree Plunge Tonight
By the time the sun sets around 5:46 PM, the floor is going to drop out. If you have plans in Midtown or the Heights tonight, dress for the 30s. We haven't seen a massive hard freeze yet this year like the one back in January 2025 that dumped 5 inches of snow on the Heights, but a 34-degree night is enough to burst a poorly insulated pipe if the wind hits it just right.
Space City Weather and the local NWS office are both leaning into the fact that tomorrow morning (Sunday) will actually be the coldest part of this stretch. But today is the transition. It’s the day where you realize the "tranquil" weather of 2025—which was the second hottest year on record at Bush Intercontinental—is officially over for the season.
Practical Steps for Houstonians Right Now
- Check the P's: People, pets, and plants. Bring the dogs inside. If your hibiscus is still outside, bring it in or cover it now while the sun is up. It’s much harder to do in the dark when it's 38 degrees and windy.
- Hydrate Your Skin: With humidity hitting 26%, your skin is going to feel like parchment paper. Use the heavy-duty lotion today.
- Fire Safety: If you're west of the city, avoid any outdoor burning. The combination of 20 mph gusts and low humidity is a recipe for disaster.
- Pipe Prep: You probably don't need to wrap every pipe for a 34-degree night, but if you have exposed pool equipment or irrigation backflow preventers, a quick towel or insulated cover won't hurt.
The temperature today in Houston is a reminder that winter in Southeast Texas is short, but it's got a mean streak. Enjoy the sunshine, but don't let the clear skies fool you into leaving your jacket at home. You'll regret it the second you step into the shade.
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Check your tire pressure this morning too. When the temp drops 20 degrees overnight like this, that "low pressure" light is going to be glowing on half the dashboards in Harris County.
Stay warm, stay hydrated, and maybe go grab a bowl of pho—it's the ultimate Houston cold-front cure.