As an expert in meteorology and climate, I have spent years studying the weather patterns and climate of different regions around the world. One area that has always fascinated me is Texas, a large state in the southern United States. With its diverse landscape and unique location, Texas experiences a range of climates that vary from region to region. In this article, I will delve into the details of Texas' climate, from its continental northwest to its subtropical regions.
The Continental Climate of Northwest Texas
When we think of Texas, we often picture hot and dry weather.However, in the northwest region of the state, the climate is actually continental. This area is characterized by a plateau and experiences hot summers and cold winters. While winter is generally mild, there can be brief periods of cold air that sweep through the region.
The Subtropical Climate of the Rest of Texas
The rest of Texas, excluding the northwest, has a subtropical climate. This includes the most populated city in Texas, Houston, which covers a large part of the Gulf coastal plain.Here, the terrain is mostly flat and swampy. Houston experiences long, hot summers and mild winters. August is typically the hottest month with temperatures ranging from 24 °C (75 °F) to 34 °C (93 °F). January is the coldest month with temperatures ranging from 7 °C (45 °F) to 17 °C (63 °F), which is still pleasant for many. However, extreme weather conditions are not uncommon in this area, with frequent tornadoes and hurricanes.
For more information on Houston's weather patterns and the best time to visit, check out our guide.
Rainfall in Texas
On average, Texas receives between 20 inches (west) and 35 inches (east) of rainfall per year. Central Texas is unique in its landscape structure, with its many hills, rivers, and lakes, making it vulnerable to flash floods. The climate in this region is comparable to that of Israel or Lebanon. During the summer, daytime temperatures can be hot, with maximum temperatures above 90% 80% of the time. Cold fronts can also affect the area, causing nighttime lows to drop to 50 degrees on rare occasions.However, warm winds quickly return and push the lows back up to 70 degrees within a few days. In very hot summers, the continental climates of western and north Texas can have a significant impact on keeping maximum daytime temperatures close to or above 100 degrees, especially with warm winds from the west and southwest. The moderating effects of the Gulf of Mexico usually limit maximum daytime temperatures, but they can also cause discomfort due to increased humidity.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
Texas is no stranger to extreme temperatures. The all-time high was recorded on September 12, 2000, with a scorching temperature of 112 degrees.However, the hottest region in Texas is the Panhandle, particularly around and north of Amarillo. In fact, Texas has recorded temperatures of 98 degrees or higher every month of the year. From May to September, historic highs in Texas have reached 116 degrees or higher. On the other end of the spectrum, the coldest place in Texas is Stratford, located in the Panhandle region. This area experiences an annual temperature of 55.0 degrees F.