HOUSTON – Christmas Day 2024 brought strong thunderstorms to the Houston area, making for quite the start to the holiday. The morning featured heavy rainfall and high winds, prompting many residents to splurge on additional festive gear to ward off the stormy weather.
"Christmas Day started very wet but ended pleasant," reported FOX26, reflecting on the dramatic change throughout the day. After the pre-dawn storms, the weather began to clear, allowing for some reprieve during the afternoon. Showers lingered but became increasingly scattered as overcast skies dominated, keeping temperatures comfortably warm.
Despite the morning drama, Texans fans could still find some cheer. By midday, when temperatures had risen to the mid-70s, people were starting to venture out more as the rain tapered off. "You can track radar where you live," local weather updates prompted, encouraging residents to stay informed about the changing conditions.
While many Christmas celebrations proceeded as planned later on, caution was still advised. The forecast for Thursday—a FOX26 Storm Alert Day—predicted more inclement weather, with forecasters warning about the possibility of strong storms returning.
“Don’t let your guard down on Thursday as we’ll be tracking another storm system,” warned weather experts. This incoming front, much like the one affecting many on Christmas Day, could bring the risk of severe thunderstorms, complete with hail and damaging winds. Residents are advised to stay alert throughout the day, especially if traveling.
Histories of Christmas weather often bring joy, but this season was considerably dampened by Mother Nature's fury. Many found themselves rushing to grab ponchos or rain jackets, especially those planning to enjoy the Texans' game at NRG Stadium.
Even as the threat of rain dwindled, many were left wondering what tomorrow would bring. Forecasts indicated continued mild temperatures–enough warmth to allay concerns of having a white Christmas, but not entirely free of warnings.
"Storms could produce hail and damaging winds and even a slight chance for tornadoes," added local forecasters. Onlookers were also cautioned about sudden weather changes possible with the advance of another system expected Thursday afternoon.
Still, Tuesday’s wet weather resulted from just one of several fronts passing through the Gulf, with each system bringing its own blend of moisture and instability. “The rest of 2024 looks mild. Temperatures will be warmer than average for the last week of the year,” noted local meteorologists, hinting at consistent warmth leading toward the new year.
Moving forward, the imminent seasonal shift means cooler temperatures are anticipated as the year wraps up. Wednesday’s gathering forecasts hinted at daily chances for scattered showers, even as the temperatures are expected to remain well above normal.
Those living near or south of the key routes, particularly around Interstate 10, were advised to leave some extra time for traveling during potentially rainy periods. With another weak cold front approaching quickly, storms could be anticipated to accentuate the holiday stress on the roads.
At the very least, Christmas 2024 offered one silver lining. Despite the morning rain, gatherings and family traditions shined through, even during the erratic weather conditions. Whether at home or bundled up to bear the elements outside, Texans evidently made the most of their day.
And though this Christmas might not have turned out to be the festive ideal some might dream of, it was still filled with summer-like warmth. More changes may be on the way, but the memory of this uniquely weathered holiday will undoubtedly remain.
Looking beyond Christmas, Thursday might usher more than just mild weather. It might serve as another reminder of the unpredictable nature of Houston's famed climate—a phenomenon residents have learned to love, hate, and adapt to throughout the years.
If you caught the Christmas spirit and missed the rain altogether, you’re not alone. Yet, the city remains prepared as ever, bracing for another bout of nature's challenges over the coming days.
