HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Fall begins in less than a week, and Texans know the fall season looks and feels a bit different than other parts of the country. However, a new study from Climate Central shows how even this transitional season is feeling more like summer. ABC13 Meteorologist Elyse Smith looked into this and how it’s related to fall in Houston.
With Houston’s overall climate being categorized as humid subtropical, fall in southeast Texas is already warmer than other parts of the country. In fact, it’s normal for afternoon highs to be in the upper 80s or low 90s through the beginning to the middle of September. Our partners at Climate Central though suggest that the length of time when high temperatures peak in the 90s in Houston is longer than what it previously was 50 years ago.
Their new study found that Houston’s last day with a high of 90 degrees or above is 17 days later than it was in 1970. Recent memory proves that Houston is experiencing more days in the 90s in October, even well into mid-to-late October, when normal high temperatures for that time of year should be in the upper 70s or low 80s.
This also has a significant impact on the transitional month of September, when moving from summer to fall. Both September 2023 and 2024 rank among the top 10 warmest months on record for Houston; 2023 even takes the top spot. The average overall temperature for September in 2023, including all the daily highs and lows, was 85.3 degrees. As of last check, this September already ranks as the 15th warmest on record for the month, and there are still two warmer-than-normal weeks left to go.
Climate Central’s study also shows that as the Earth’s climate warms, the transitional seasons of spring and fall also tend to be warmer. Moreover, summertime temperatures can begin earlier in the spring and last longer into the fall. This can have a huge impact on farmers and growing seasons. The lingering summertime heat in the fall can also extend seasonal allergies and prolong wildfire risk.
For more on this story, follow Elyse Smith on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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