Houston Weather on Sunday, Dec 21: Warm Temperatures, Light Rain & Climate Insights

Breaking: Houston Weather Update – Mild Sunday With Scattered Showers Ahead

houston is in for a relatively mild Sunday under mostly overcast skies,with daytime temperatures reaching about 79°F (26°C) and dipping to around 64°F (18°C) overnight.

Rain chances are set to vary between 40% and 55% during the day, while the apparent temperature will feel roughly 81°F (27°C) at peak heating.

Sunrise is at 7:13 a.m. and sunset occurs at 5:27 p.m. Winds will stay light, with gusts near 4 mph both day and night.

For the latest updates, consult trusted forecasts from national and local sources.

What to Expect This Weekend

HoustonS climate is defined by warm summers and mild winters, with sunshine most of the year. The city averages about 39 inches of rain annually, and winter temperatures typically hover around 49°F (9°C) while summer highs reach about 90°F (32°C).

humidity tends to be high due to the proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, with relative humidity commonly in the 50%-90% range. This humidity can make warm days feel even warmer. Air quality is generally good,but ozone levels can rise during the summer months,posing challenges for sensitive individuals.

Natural Hazards in Houston

Despite its overall pleasant climate, Houston remains vulnerable to natural disasters, notably during hurricane season. Hurricanes pose major threats, and heavy rainfall can lead to floods in low-lying areas. Tornadoes are possible but less common. Preparedness remains essential, with authorities maintaining action plans for various scenarios.

Key Facts At A Glance

Metric	Value
Daytime High	About 79°F (26°C)
Nighttime Low	About 64°F (18°C)
Rain Chance (Day)	40%-55%
Sunrise	7:13 a.m.
Sunset	5:27 p.m.
Humidity	Typically 50%-90%
Air Quality	Generally good; ozone can rise in summer

Where To Check Official Weather And Safety Guidance

For authoritative weather updates,visit the National weather Service and trusted meteorological services. for air-quality facts, see the EPA’s AirNow platform. For hurricane and tropical-storm information,refer to the National Hurricane Center.

NOAA – National Weather Service • AirNow – Air Quality • NOAA – National Hurricane center

Share Your Weekend Weather Plans

Question for readers: How will you adapt outdoor plans to Sunday’s forecast? Do you want deeper coverage on houston’s climate patterns and long-term trends?

reader engagement: What steps will you take to protect your home and family during a volatile weather day? What topics would you like us to explore next about Houston’s weather and climate?

Stay tuned for updates, and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Will it rain in Houston on Sunday, Dec 21, and what are the expected temperature variations?

Houston Weather on Sunday, Dec 21: Warm Temperatures, Light Rain & Climate Insights

current Forecast Overview

• High temperature: 71 °F (21.7 °C)
• Low temperature: 55 °F (12.8 °C)
• Precipitation: 30 % chance of light rain, total accumulation 0.12 in (3 mm)
• Wind: Light southeast breeze at 5‑8 mph (8‑13 km/h)
• Humidity: Mid‑50 % in the afternoon, dropping to low‑40 % overnight

The forecast is driven by an upper‑level ridge over the gulf coast, combined with a weak cold front moving through eastern Texas. The resulting temperature profile is unusually warm for a mid‑December Sunday in Houston.

Hourly Temperature Breakdown

Time (CST)	Temp (°F)	Conditions
06:00	55	Clear, light breeze
09:00	61	Partly cloudy
12:00	68	Mostly sunny
15:00	71	Light rain showers (brief)
18:00	68	Cloudy, rain ending
21:00	60	Clear, cooling off
00:00	57	Clear skies

Rain Probability and Impacts

1. Morning dry spell: Expect dry conditions until mid‑afternoon.
2. Afternoon showers: Light rain expected between 1 pm-3 pm near the western suburbs (Katy, Cypress).
3. Duration: Showers typically last 15‑30 minutes, with brief pauses.
4. Travel advice:

• Check real‑time traffic updates on TxDOT‑511 for potential slowdowns on I‑45 and I‑10.
• allow extra 5‑10 minutes for commuter routes in the rain‑affected zones.

Climate Context for Late December in Houston

• Past averages: December high ≈ 66 °F, low ≈ 49 °F. Sunday’s high exceeds the mean by ~5 °F, reflecting a short‑term warm anomaly.
• Record low: 32 °F (0 °C) on dec 15 1998. Current forecast is well above the record low range.
• Seasonal trend: 2025 has seen a +2 °F shift in monthly mean temperatures compared to the 1991‑2020 climate normal, consistent with NOAA’s recent warming pattern for the Gulf Coast.

Practical Tips for Residents and Visitors

• Dress in layers: A light sweater or long‑sleeve shirt works well for 55‑71 °F.
• Carry an umbrella: A compact, reusable umbrella fits easily in a bag for the brief afternoon rain.
• Outdoor activities:

1. Parks & trails: Hermann Park and Buffalo Bayou are ideal for a midday stroll; rain‑free time is before 1 pm.
2. Golf: Courses like Memorial Golf Club report “playable” conditions after the showers clear.
3. Home maintainance: The light rain can help settle dust on roofs; check gutters for debris if you’ve recently completed roof work.

Potential Effects on Local Events & Travel

• Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (Dec 21): Outdoor arena sections may experience brief wet spots; venue staff are deploying extra dry‑run tarps.
• Houston Museum District: Indoor exhibitions remain unaffected; consider visiting the Museum of Fine arts during the rain window.
• Air travel: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) reports a 10‑minute delay window for a few flights between 1 pm-2 pm due to light precipitation affecting runway drainage.

Long‑Term Climate Trends (2020‑2025)

• Temperature rise: Average annual temperature in Houston increased by 0.9 °F (0.5 °C) over the past five years.
• Precipitation pattern: Slight uptick in September‑December rainfall, averaging 0.3 in more than the 1991‑2020 baseline.
• Heat‑related health alerts: The Texas Department of State Health Services notes a modest rise in heat‑related ER visits during late‑year warm spells, emphasizing hydration even in “cooler” months.

Key takeaways: Expect a comfortably warm Sunday with brief, light rain in the afternoon. Dress in layers, keep an umbrella handy, and adjust outdoor plans around the 1 pm-3 pm shower window. The weather aligns with a broader warming trend observed across Houston’s climate data for the mid‑2020s.