Southeast Texas' first real taste of cooler weather could arrive late next week, but forecasters are warning Houstonians not to get their hopes up just yet.
The first potential cold front of the season could push into the region around Sept. 18-20, according to Space City Weather's Eric Berger. But as of Wednesday, Berger gave it only about a 30 percent chance of actually happening.
In other words: Don't put the flip-flops away quite yet.
For now, Houston is looking at another stretch of classic September weather-highs generally in the 90s, scattered afternoon showers and nights stuck in the 80s.
Berger compared the city's wait for a cold front to something painfully familiar.
"We're basically in what seems like an interminable doctor's waiting room hoping to hear 'cold front' called out by a nurse."And Houston may be sitting in that waiting room for a little longer.
Berger said the first chance for a front comes in about 10 days, but stressed that it is "not a slam dunk."
"I'm a little less optimistic today," Berger wrote Wednesday. "Yesterday I probably would have put our odds at about 40 percent of seeing a front. Today I'm at 30 percent, which to be fair is not zero."
So when will Houston cool down?
The best chance currently appears to be late next week or during the weekend of Sept. 18-20.
Berger said the front's arrival is still "a 50-50 deal" and that even if it makes it to Houston, it probably won't deliver the dramatic temperature drop many residents are hoping for.
"But I don't care," Berger wrote Tuesday. "For the first time in months we can legitimately start to look for some fall-like weather, and I am here for it."
Until then, Houston will likely endure a little more September heat.
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This article originally published at Cold front is finally on the radar for parts of Texas, but there's a big catch.