Before summer, must come spring. And that means, we must welcome back the humidity - unfortunately.
But why?
Warmer air, Gulf-driven winds, and even evaporation from rain and plants all lead to more humidity. Here are 5 ways that humidity starts to creep in during March before the real “Muggy” Madness hits us this summer.
1. Warmer temperatures
Spring is when we transition from winter into to spring and that means warmer air. Warmer air holds more moisture, which increases humidity - this means the air has more room to pack in water vapor, making it feel sticker. Or a simpler way to say it - warmer air can hold more water, making it more humid and feel sticker.
2. The Gulf influence
Houston is about 50 miles away from the Gulf and this plays a major role in our heat and humidity. Our southerly or southeasterly winds carry moist air from the Gulf. The winds pick up water vapor from the Gulf’s warm waters and then deposit the moisture over land. Or a simpler way to say it - winds bring Gulf moisture to Houston, making it more humid.
3. Rainfall patterns
March and April - is the time when we see the clash of lingering cool air from the north and warm moist air from our south which brings us our springtime thunderstorms. This is why spring is one of our wetter seasons in Houston. Plus, the evaporation from recent rain and damp soil, adds to the humidity.
4. Plants, soil and land
Spring is when our plants start to bloom, trees grow and vegetation grows - releasing water vapor in the air which adds to the moisture in our air. Our flat topography and nearby wetlands add moisture to the air, making it humid.
And while we can’t beat the humidity, spring mornings are usually more humid because the air is cooler overnight, letting the Gulf moisture stick around. That’s why mornings feel sticker.
You can track the temperatures here before you go outside to try to beat the sticky heat: But we have to get used to it because we’re just starting to heat up and more humidity is headed our way this summer.
