Snow slowly exits Houston after blanketing region overnight

Snow falls in Houston area

HOUSTON – The stretch of cold, wet weather in southeast Texas culminated with sleet pellets and snowflakes mixed in with the raindrops Thursday night.

Snow was reported across parts of southeast Texas, including in Houston and College Station.

WATCH: Snow falling in downtown Houston

As the period of wet weather comes to an end early Friday morning, temperatures are expected to drop into the mid-30s across the Houston area.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for most counties in the southeast Texas region until 9 a.m.

Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston, Brazoria, Liberty, Chambers, Jackson, Waller, Walker, Montgomery, Colorado, Wharton, San Jacinto, Polk, Trinity, Houston, Madison, Grimes, Brazos, Burleson, Washington and Austin counties are included in the advisory.

The snow is expected to taper off Friday morning, but wet bridges from snow may remain slick.

PHOTOS: Viewers share snow scenes from around Texas

While still above freezing, a wintry mix is still falling from the sky.

Any sleet or snow that does fall is expected to be very light and is not expected to stick on the ground because the ground temperature and the surface air temperature is above freezing.

The reason we are seeing wintry precipitation even though the surface air temperature is above freezing has to do with the characteristics of the air above our heads. The temperature of the air aloft, in the clouds where the precipitation forms, is at or below freezing.

WATCH: Explanation of the rain/snow/sleet mix

Therefore, the precipitation forms as snowflakes or small ice pellets. As it falls from the clouds, it moves through the air that gets progressively warmer.

WATCH: Snow falls in Conroe

Eventually, it falls to an altitude where the air temperature becomes warmer than 32 degrees Fahrenheit, or above freezing. At this point, the sleet or snow begins to melt. Most of it will melt before it reaches the ground, but a few pellets or flakes may survive long enough for us to see it.


About the Author:

Meteorologist, runner, triathlete and proud Houstonian.