A Month of Unprecedented Warmth (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Houston – The metro area wrapped up February with temperatures that placed it among the city’s warmest winters on record, thanks to persistent mild conditions and a forecast promising more heat.
A Month of Unprecedented Warmth
Records tumbled as Houston logged an average high temperature of 74.2 degrees Fahrenheit through the final three days of the month. That mark exceeded the typical February average of 67.9 degrees, calculated from 1990-2020 data.[1]
This performance secured third place on the all-time list for the month. Only 2017, with 76.8 degrees, and 1962, at 74.4 degrees, ranked higher. High pressure dominated over Texas, fueling above-normal readings statewide. Parts of the Panhandle and Oklahoma baked under even more extreme anomalies.
| Year | Average High (°F) |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 76.8 |
| 1962 | 74.4 |
| 2024 (preliminary) | 74.2 |
Highs Push Toward 80s in Final Days
The closing stretch amplified the heat. Thursday brought highs in the low to mid-80s across most spots, with southwest winds gusting to 20 mph. Lows settled near 65 degrees overnight.
Friday stayed sunny, repeating those 80-degree highs while lower dew points eased humidity. A weak front arrived late Thursday, introducing drier air from inland areas. Lows dipped to around 60 degrees that night. The system delivered little chill, keeping conditions comfortable.[1]
- Thursday: Low- to mid-80s, gusty southwest winds.
- Friday: Sunny low- to mid-80s, drier feel.
- Saturday: Partly sunny near 80 degrees, moderate winds.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny around 80, southerly gusts to 20 mph.
High Pressure Takes Center Stage
A stubborn ridge of high pressure steered the mild pattern. This setup blocked cooler air and promoted sunny skies throughout much of the month. Texas sweltered under its influence, with Houston joining widespread warmth.
The weak front offered minor relief through reduced moisture. Dew points fell enough to temper the mugginess over the weekend. Still, no major cooldown materialized. Conditions remained pleasant rather than oppressive.
Outlook Signals More Mild Days
Partly sunny skies persisted into the following week, with highs holding around 80 degrees. Lows ranged from the lower to mid-60s. Southerly flows returned by Sunday afternoon.
Rain chances stayed low initially. Models hinted at slight increases mid-week, potentially building over the weekend. Confidence waned beyond that point. For now, the warmth showed no signs of fading quickly.[1]
Key Takeaways
- Houston’s February averaged 74.2°F highs, third-hottest on record.
- Weak front introduced drier air but minimal cooling.
- 80-degree days continued through the weekend and beyond.
Houston residents savored a February that evoked milder seasons, underscoring shifting weather norms amid persistent high pressure. As March begins, will the heat linger? Share your thoughts in the comments.
