Honestly, if you’ve lived in Houston for more than five minutes, you know the drill. One day you’re wearing a parka, and the next you’re wondering if it’s too early to turn on the AC. This week is no exception. We’re looking at a classic Texas roller coaster that starts with a legitimate chill and ends with what feels like a head start on spring.
The Chilly Start
Right now, it’s crisp. Today, Saturday, January 17, we’re topping out at around 55°F. It’s mostly cloudy, and that north wind at 13 mph is making it feel a lot more like "real" winter than the humid soup we usually deal with.
Tonight is going to be the real test for your indoor plants. We’re dropping down to 35°F. While the inner loop might stay just above freezing, the outlying areas like Conroe or Katy are definitely looking at some frost on the windshield tomorrow morning.
Sunday stays cool. High of 55°F again, but with pure sunshine. It’s basically the perfect day for a patio brunch, provided you bring a light jacket. The wind shifts a bit to the northwest, dying down to about 6 mph, so it won’t feel quite as biting as today.
The Mid-Week Warm Up
Monday is when things start to pivot. We’re jumping up to 63°F. Still sunny, but you’ll feel that shift as the wind starts coming in from the east. By Tuesday, the clouds return. It’s going to be a gray day with a high of 58°F, which is actually pretty typical for Houston this time of year.
Then comes the rain.
Wednesday and Thursday are looking a bit soggy. We’re not talking about a massive tropical deluge, but definitely "keep the umbrella in the car" weather. Wednesday has a 40% chance of light rain overnight with a high of 64°F. Thursday keeps that trend going with a high of 66°F and a 40% chance of showers during the day.
Why the Humidity is Coming Back
By Friday, January 23, the cold start to the week will feel like a distant memory. We’re looking at a high of 72°F. The wind is going to be pumping in from the southeast, which is basically the "humidity faucet" for the Gulf Coast.
Saturday, January 24, follows suit with another high of 72°F. It’ll be partly sunny, but the humidity will be sitting at about 83%. If you’re planning on doing any outdoor hair-intensive activities, maybe reconsider.
What Most People Get Wrong About January in Houston
A lot of people assume January is just "cold" here. It isn't. According to data from Space City Weather and the National Weather Service, Houston's weather in 2026 has already been following a trend of extreme spikes. We literally hit 84°F at Bush Intercontinental earlier this month, shattering old records.
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The "normal" high is usually around 63°F, but we rarely spend much time at "normal." We usually oscillate between "Wait, is that a snowflake?" and "I need a cold Gatorade." This week perfectly illustrates that pattern.
Actionable Tips for the Week
- Protect the Pipes (Slightly): With a low of 35°F tonight, you don't need to go full "Winter Storm Uri" prep, but maybe bring the sensitive succulents inside.
- Layering is Key: You’ll need a heavy coat for the 7:00 AM commute on Monday, but you’ll be carrying it by lunchtime.
- Check Your Tires: Drastic temperature drops usually mean your "low tire pressure" light is going to haunt you this weekend.
- Plan Your Car Wash: Avoid the car wash on Tuesday. Those Wednesday and Thursday light rains are just going to spot your windows with Texas dust.
Basically, enjoy the cold while it lasts. By next weekend, we're likely heading back into the 70s, and before you know it, we'll be complaining about the humidity again.
Next Steps: Check your outdoor faucets tonight to ensure they aren't leaking, as even a light freeze can cause issues with exposed, dripping pipes in these temperatures.