If the weather had a personality, you might say Houston’s has been feeling a little unpredictable lately.
This past January alone brought an unusual rollercoaster of conditions. We experienced two significant cold snaps, one of which was so intense it brought a rare sight—snow in Houston. In a region known more for humidity than flurries, seeing the ground dusted in white felt almost surreal. In between those cold spells, a tornado touched down, serving as a stark reminder that Gulf Coast winters aren’t always calm. And to cap off the month? We were suddenly basking in temperatures in the 80s, as if winter had been a brief, strange dream.
But January wasn’t an outlier—it was just the latest chapter in a year full of extreme events. Over the past 12 months, we’ve also seen:
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A second tornado, once again highlighting the increasing volatility in our local storm systems.
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A powerful spring storm that knocked out power across large parts of the city for several days, affecting schools, businesses, and daily life.
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And, of course, a hurricane that reminded us of the force of nature we always keep one eye on during the warmer months.
Each of these events on their own would be noteworthy. Taken together, they paint a picture of a climate that’s becoming less predictable and more extreme. For residents and businesses alike, it’s a growing challenge—how do you prepare for everything from snow to hurricanes, often within the same year?
As we move forward, it's clear that staying weather-aware isn’t just a good idea; it’s a necessity. Whether it’s investing in backup power solutions, updating emergency plans, or simply staying informed, adaptability is key. Because if the last year has taught us anything, it’s that Houston weather no longer plays by the old rules.
