Well, Houston, we’ve officially hit that time of year when the sun starts to remind us that summer is just around the corner. This morning, you could already feel the warmth in the air, with the temperature sitting comfortably at 74°F (24°C). But don’t get too cozy yet—the real heat is about to kick in.
Brace Yourself for a Hot Day Ahead
If you’ve been hoping for a mild spring, today might disappoint you. By midday, we’re looking at temperatures climbing to a sizzling 87°F (31°C). That might not be full-on summer just yet, but it’s definitely a preview of what’s coming. And it’s not just the heat—it’s that classic Houston humidity creeping in. That’s the kind of warmth that hits you as soon as you step outside, and before you know it, you’re reaching for your water bottle.
“I swear it feels like we skipped spring altogether,” said Jake, a Houston local, as he wiped sweat off his forehead while walking to work. “I was hoping for a few more cool days, but nope. Summer’s already here!”
Sunny Morning, Hazy Afternoon
We’re starting with some beautiful sunshine, but don’t get too comfortable—by the afternoon, we’ll see some haze rolling in. It’s not just the usual city smog; it’s a combination of rising ozone levels and humidity, which could make the air quality a bit less than ideal. If you have respiratory issues or allergies, you might want to take it easy outside today.
For everyone else, keep in mind that the heat is only going to get stronger throughout the day. Make sure you’ve got your sunscreen on, because the UV rays are going to be pretty intense. It’s easy to forget sunscreen when it’s not full-blown summer, but trust me, your skin will thank you later.
How to Stay Cool: Tips for Surviving the Heat
With temps hitting 87°F, it’s time to take the heat seriously. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Make sure you’re drinking water consistently, not just when you’re thirsty—because once you start feeling thirsty, your body’s already behind the curve. And if you’re outside for any extended period of time, try to find some shade and take breaks.
Also, don’t skip the sunscreen, even if you’re just running errands. The Houston sun is no joke, and it’s easy to burn faster than you think.
Mild Nights, But Still Warm
The good news? The nights won’t be freezing cold. Tonight, you can expect temperatures to dip to around 62°F (16°C). It won’t be chilly, but it will still be warm enough to make you feel like summer’s hanging around. If you’ve got plans for the evening—whether it’s a patio dinner or a walk with the dog—it’s a great night to enjoy the warmth, but make sure to stay cool with a drink in hand.
The Heat Isn’t Going Anywhere
If you’re hoping for cooler weather soon, it looks like you might be disappointed. Tomorrow, April 11th, temperatures will climb to a high of 89°F (32°C)—we’re getting dangerously close to breaking a record of 93°F (34°C) set back in 1963. And if that wasn’t enough to get you sweating, Monday, April 14th, will also be in the upper 80s. Looks like summer’s getting a head start this year!
In fact, meteorologists are predicting a warmer-than-usual spring across Texas, and Houston’s no exception. So if you’re not a fan of the heat, you might want to start getting used to it, because it’s likely going to stick around.
What You Need to Know
It’s that time of year again—when you have to adjust your routine around the heat. Plan your outdoor activities for early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s a little cooler. Between noon and 4 PM, try to stay inside as much as possible, or at least take frequent breaks in the shade. And keep an eye on air quality reports—those high ozone levels can cause problems for sensitive groups, including kids, the elderly, and anyone with breathing issues.
A Glimpse of Summer
As much as we love Houston, we know that the summer heat can be relentless. And today’s temperatures are just a taste of what’s to come. While it’s still technically spring, the heat feels a little bit more like July than April. But that’s just how it goes here—sometimes, we skip right past spring and go straight into summer.
