Houston Faces Rainy Spell As D C Shivers

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, the United States is experiencing a dramatic display of its renowned climatic diversity, with major cities like Houston and Washington D.C. waking up to sharply contrasting weather conditions. While Houston residents brace themselves for a wet and mild winter day, those in the nation’s capital are contending with biting cold and near-record cloud cover. These differences not only highlight the vastness of the country but also underscore the importance of staying informed and prepared for whatever the skies may bring.

According to Clarín, Houston’s forecast for January 24 calls for a maximum temperature of 16°C and a minimum of 5°C. Winds are expected to blow steadily at 19 km/h, and humidity will hover around a sticky 91%. Early risers in the city can expect a light drizzle, with 1 mm of rainfall predicted in the morning, accompanied by 91% humidity and gentle easterly winds. By mid-morning, the precipitation will intensify to 7 mm, humidity will tick up to 92%, and winds will pick up slightly to 20 km/h, still from the east. The afternoon brings yet another round of moderate rain—6 mm in total—with the wind shifting to the northeast, while the evening will see the showers taper off to a light drizzle once again, now with winds coming from the north.

The extended forecast for Houston doesn’t offer much respite. On Sunday, January 25, temperatures are expected to plunge, ranging from 4°C down to -2°C, with continued winds at 19 km/h and a significant 15 mm of precipitation. Monday looks even chillier, with the thermometer swinging between -5°C and 4°C, and another 15 mm of rain in the cards. For Houstonians, it’s a weekend to keep umbrellas close and perhaps reconsider any outdoor plans.

Meanwhile, Infobae reports that Washington D.C. is facing a very different set of meteorological challenges. The capital’s maximum temperature on January 24 is forecast at a frigid -4°C, with the mercury possibly dipping as low as -8°C. The ultraviolet index is a mere 1, suggesting little risk of sunburn but also little chance of seeing the sun at all. During the day, the chance of precipitation is only 4%, but the sky will be blanketed by 96% cloud cover. By nightfall, the probability of precipitation soars to 96%, with a near-complete cloud cover of 99%. Wind gusts will be a factor as well, reaching up to 35 km/h during daylight hours and calming somewhat to 18 km/h at night.

Washington D.C.’s weather this time of year is no surprise to locals familiar with its climate. The city, perched along the Potomac River and surrounded by Maryland and Virginia, is classified as having a primarily tropical monsoon climate. According to Infobae, this means warm conditions for much of the year, with a brief dry season and a dominant rainy season. July typically brings the hottest weather, with temperatures sometimes soaring to 40°C, while January and February are reliably the coldest months, with the mercury hovering around zero or dipping below. May is historically the wettest month for the city, but January is no stranger to snow and persistent cloud cover.

What’s happening in Houston and Washington D.C. this weekend is a microcosm of the extraordinary variety of weather experienced across the United States. As Infobae explains, the country’s sheer size means it hosts nearly every climate type imaginable. In the east, humid subtropical and continental humid climates dominate, bringing regular rainfall throughout the year—thunderstorms in the summer and snow in the winter. The southeast enjoys warm summers and mild, wet winters, while the northeast is marked by frequent precipitation and stark seasonal shifts.

Head west, and the picture changes dramatically. The central and western interior is mostly semi-arid, with cold, dry winters and only occasional rain. The southwestern deserts endure both cold and hot arid climates, meaning icy winters in some areas and blistering, dry summers in others. Along the Pacific coast, the Mediterranean climate reigns: mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Such diversity means that on any given day, Americans can experience everything from blizzards to beach weather, sometimes just a few states apart.

With such varied weather, safety and health precautions are essential. Clarín offers a host of practical advice for navigating these conditions. For those in Houston—or anywhere facing rain and wind—staying hydrated and using sunscreen, even on cloudy days, is recommended. Sudden temperature changes between indoors and outdoors should be avoided, especially during cold snaps. When winds pick up, it’s wise to secure loose objects on balconies or terraces and be extra careful if cycling or riding a motorcycle, as gusts can cause instability. If rain is in the forecast, carrying an umbrella or raincoat is a must, and walking carefully is advised since wet sidewalks can be slippery. Drivers should reduce speed, turn on low-beam headlights, and avoid flooded streets altogether. Above all, the most universal recommendation is to check the weather forecast before leaving home—common sense, perhaps, but too often overlooked.

For those in Washington D.C., the bitter cold and high winds present their own set of challenges. Dressing in layers, protecting exposed skin, and limiting time outdoors can help prevent frostbite and hypothermia. Cloudy skies and a low UV index mean little risk of sunburn, but the gloom can affect mood and energy levels, so making the most of any available daylight is a good idea. With precipitation likely to increase overnight, residents should also prepare for icy roads and sidewalks by keeping salt or sand handy and watching for black ice.

It’s worth noting how the United States’ climatic extremes shape not just daily routines but also broader cultural and economic patterns. From the hurricanes that batter the Gulf Coast to the blizzards that paralyze the Midwest, weather is a constant presence in the American consciousness. It influences everything from agricultural cycles to energy consumption, travel plans to sports schedules. And as climate change continues to alter historical patterns—making storms more intense, summers hotter, and winters more unpredictable—staying alert to the forecast is more important than ever.

So, whether you’re in Houston dodging rain showers or in Washington D.C. bracing against the cold, today’s weather is a reminder of the United States’ remarkable meteorological variety. With a little preparation and a close eye on the forecast, Americans can navigate whatever the skies have in store.