Texas to See Weekend Temperature Surge as Houston Prepares for Record-Breaking Warmth Heading Into Christmas Week
TEXAS — After a brief return to seasonal December weather on Friday, residents across Houston and Southeast Texas are bracing for a dramatic temperature surge that could bring record warmth just before Christmas, according to the latest forecasts from KTRK meteorologists.
Friday morning began on a cool note with lows in the 40s and highs in the mid-60s, providing a refreshing taste of winter under clear skies and low humidity. However, forecasters warn that this seasonal spell will be short-lived as a major warmup begins this weekend.
From Cool to Unseasonably Warm
A cold front arriving late Friday evening will bring only a temporary drop in temperatures. By Saturday morning, conditions will start to shift rapidly.
Morning lows: upper 40s to low 50s
Afternoon highs: near 80°F by late day
Winds: strengthening from the southwest, helping fuel the warmup
Forecasters expect sunny skies on Saturday, but the return of sea fog and higher humidity by Sunday will mark the beginning of a more tropical pattern.
“It’s going to feel far from winter in Houston,” meteorologist Travis Herzog said. “We’ll be flirting with record highs through much of next week.”
Sunday Brings Muggy Air and Possible Showers
Sunday morning lows will hold near 68°F, with afternoon highs in the lower 80s — just shy of the December record of 82°F for the city.
A 30% chance of light showers is in the forecast, particularly near the coast, as moisture levels rise from the Gulf. Areas including Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda Counties may experience patches of dense sea fog, impacting visibility during the morning hours.
“December Heat Ridge” to Dominate Christmas Week
Meteorologists say a stubborn ridge of high pressure, often referred to as a “December heat ridge,” will settle over Texas during the week of Christmas.
This pattern will keep temperatures well above normal across the state, with highs consistently reaching the low to mid-80s from Monday through Friday.
“We’re looking at record-challenging warmth almost every day next week,” Herzog added. “It’s going to feel more like late spring than the week before Christmas.”
While the warmth will make for comfortable evenings and dry roads for holiday travelers, it may also delay any chance of seeing typical winter chill until early January.
No Freezes in Sight for Houston Area
The outlook through the end of December shows no sign of freezing temperatures anywhere across Southeast Texas.
Overnight lows: expected to stay between 60°F and 65°F
Afternoon highs: 80–83°F through Christmas Day
Humidity: climbing back to summer-like levels by midweek
Forecasters note that the next true cold front may not arrive until the closing days of 2025, meaning Houston could end the year on an unseasonably warm note.
“It’s hard to get a freeze when your nighttime lows don’t drop below 60,” Herzog said.
Regional Impacts and Forecast Maps
The warm pattern will stretch across Southeast Texas, including:
Houston Metro and Harris County
Galveston and Brazoria Counties
Fort Bend, Wharton, and Matagorda Counties
Montgomery, Walker, and Polk Counties
Residents in coastal areas should stay alert for fog advisories, especially during overnight and early morning hours.
Looking Ahead
While Texans may trade their winter coats for T-shirts this Christmas, meteorologists remind residents that this pattern is not permanent. A more traditional winter cold front is expected to return in early January, potentially bringing the first widespread freeze of 2026.
Until then, Southeast Texas can expect a warm, muggy, and record-challenging holiday week. Stay updated with the latest radar maps, travel forecasts, and weather alerts at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
