Weather Research Centertm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday 22 December 1998

HOUSTON - With the arrival of an Arctic blast Monday night, there may be some winter-like weather here in Southeast Texas in time for Santa's visit this week. Forecasts are indicating much colder weather to persist through the holiday weekend.

In addition, a few low pressure disturbances could develop over the Southwestern U.S. and track eastward. This could mean precipitation for the area as well. And if temperatures are cold enough, there may be some wintry-type precipitation, such as sleet, freezing rain or drizzle.

The average high temperature for Houston on December 25 is 59.5 degrees and the average low is 37.9 degrees. At this time, Center meteorologists are projecting daytime highs in the lower 50s and overnight lows in the middle 30s.

Since 1969, Houston has had only three really cold Christmas holidays:

December 24 December 25

Year Max/Min Max/Min

1990 41/19 44/26

1989 43/11 61/20

1983 27/14 28/11

1985 63/39 45/29

The closest to a "White Christmas" in Houston was in 1989 when 1.7 inches of snow fell on December 22. While there is the possibility for some precipitation Friday, it will more than likely be in the form of rain. The warmest Christmas was in 1987 when the high reach 78 degrees and the low was 51 degrees. On Christmas Eve 1987, this high was 75 degrees and the low was 69 degrees. Here are some of the warmest Christmas day holidays:

December 24 December 25

Year Max/Min Max/Min

1971 75/59 73/59

1974 78/50 51/43

1977 78/56 59/39

1982 79/71 74/51

1984 79/62 64/49

1987 75/69 78/51

1988 74/52 65/50

There have been seven years since 1969 when the temperature on Christmas Eve has been above 70 degrees. Only three of those seven years did the high temperature remain above 70 degrees the following day.