Honestly, if you stepped outside this morning in Houston expecting that mild Texas winter we usually brag about, you probably retreated back inside for a heavier coat pretty fast. It’s one of those days. While the local news stations love to show a "sunny" icon on the graphic, the actual temperature today in houston is telling a much more complicated story for your Saturday.
Right now, it’s a crisp 49°F outside. But here is the thing: it actually feels like 45°F. That four-degree gap doesn't sound like much until you’re standing in a parking lot at H-E-B with a biting 9 mph wind coming straight out of the north.
The Real Numbers for Saturday, January 17
We aren't looking at a record-breaking freeze, but we’re definitely on the chilly side of the January fence. The high for the day is capped at 56°F. Compare that to the historical average for mid-January in Houston, which usually sits around 64°F, and you realize we’re running about eight degrees below "normal."
Here is how the day breaks down:
- Morning: Waking up to a frosty 34°F low earlier was a reminder that winter still has teeth.
- Afternoon: We will struggle to hit that 56°F peak, even with the sun out.
- Humidity: It’s incredibly dry at 27% to 32%. Great for your hair, terrible for your skin.
- Wind: Expect a steady 12 mph breeze from the north to keep that "real feel" lower than the thermometer says.
Why the "Feels Like" Is the Only Number That Matters
You’ve probably noticed that Houston cold hits differently than, say, a Chicago cold. Because our humidity is usually so high, when a dry front like this one moves in, the moisture on your skin evaporates faster, making you feel much colder than the air temperature suggests.
Today’s low humidity—bottoming out at 27%—is a rarity for us. Usually, we're swimming in soup. But this dry air, combined with those north winds, means that 56°F is going to feel more like the high 40s most of the afternoon.
A Red Flag Warning? In January?
Surprisingly, yes. Chief Meteorologist Anthony Yanez and other local experts have pointed out a Red Flag Warning for areas west of I-45. It’s weird to think about fire risk when you’re shivering, but the combination of dormant, dry winter grass and those gusty winds means a single cigarette butt or a stray spark could cause a massive problem. If you were planning on doing some backyard burning or even lighting up the fire pit, maybe hold off until the winds die down.
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Looking Toward Sunday
If you think today is brisk, just wait for tomorrow morning. Forecasters are calling for a light freeze northwest of the city. We’re talking about a line from El Campo through Houston and up toward Liberty. If you have sensitive plants or those "Houston-hardy" tropicals you spent a fortune on, tonight is the night to throw a frost cloth over them.
Actionable Steps for Houstonians Today
Don't let the sunny skies fool you into thinking it's t-shirt weather. Here is what you actually need to do:
- Layer Up for the Wind: A windbreaker or a light puffer jacket is better than a thick wool sweater today because that north wind will cut right through knits.
- Hydrate Your Skin: With humidity dropping to 27%, your skin is going to feel like parchment paper. Use a heavy-duty moisturizer before you head out.
- Check Your Plants: Since the temperature will drop toward 34°F tonight (and lower in the suburbs), bring in the potted succulents and cover the hibiscus.
- Fire Safety: Respect the Red Flag Warning. Avoid any outdoor burning or activities that could create sparks in dry grass areas.
- Pet Safety: If it's too cold for you to stand outside without a jacket for ten minutes, it's too cold for your short-haired dogs. Bring them in or ensure they have a warm, wind-blocked shelter.
The temperature today in houston is a classic example of why we keep our winter gear in the front of the closet until March. It’s bright, it’s beautiful, but it’s definitely "bring a jacket" weather.