If you think Houston’s weather has been unpredictable lately, get ready for an even wilder ride this weekend. Meteorologists are warning of near-record-breaking heat on Friday, followed by a cold front that could bring intense thunderstorms, damaging winds, and large hail on Saturday. This dramatic shift could create hazardous conditions, and residents are being urged to prepare now for what’s coming. Friday’s Heatwave: Near-Record Highs Expected On Friday, Houston will experience temperatures soaring to 88°F (31°C), just shy of the record high of 89°F set in 2016. It will be hot, humid, and breezy, with only a few clouds offering brief relief from the intense sun. If you’re planning to be outside—whether for work, exercise, or Houston Rodeo festivities—take extra precautions. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during the hottest part of the day between noon and 4 p.m. This kind of unseasonably hot weather in March is concerning because it adds extra fuel for storms when a cold front arrives. And that’s exactly what’s coming next. Saturday’s Storm Threat: Strong Winds, Hail, and Heavy Rain Possible By early Saturday morning, a powerful cold front will push through Texas, slamming into Houston’s warm and humid air. This could lead to a line of strong to severe thunderstorms, with the potential for: Damaging Winds: Some gusts could exceed 60-70 mph, strong enough to knock down trees, damage roofs, and cause power outages. Large Hail: Some areas could see hail as large as golf balls, which could damage vehicles, homes, and crops. Heavy Rain & Flash Flooding: A quick burst of heavy rain could create hazardous road conditions, especially in flood-prone areas. The most intense weather is expected between 6 AM and 3 PM on Saturday, though some storms could linger into the evening. Sunday Brings a Big Weather Shift—Cooler, Sunny Skies By Sunday, the storm system will move east, leaving behind cooler, more comfortable conditions. Expect clear skies and temperatures reaching 82°F (28°C), a significant drop from Friday’s extreme heat. The humidity will also be lower, making for a much more pleasant day outdoors. How to Stay Safe and Prepare for This Extreme Weather Shift With intense heat followed by possible severe storms, now is the time to take precautions. Here’s what Houston residents should do: Stay Hydrated on Friday – With temperatures reaching nearly 90°F, drink plenty of water and avoid heat exhaustion. Secure Loose Outdoor Objects – High winds on Saturday could turn patio furniture, trash cans, and lawn decorations into flying debris. Charge Your Devices – Strong winds could cause power outages, so make sure phones, flashlights, and power banks are fully charged. Prepare for Heavy Rain & Flooding – If you live in a flood-prone area, be aware that sudden downpours could cause street flooding. Avoid driving through water-covered roads. Sign Up for Weather Alerts – Stay ahead of the storm by enabling emergency weather notifications from the National Weather Service or local news stations. What Happens Next? This dramatic weather shift is just the latest in a series of unpredictable patterns for Houston. As we move deeper into spring, severe storms and sudden temperature changes are likely to continue. Experts recommend staying prepared and keeping an eye on long-range forecasts. Take Precautions Now This is not just another hot weekend. Houston will be hit with intense heat on Friday, then dangerous storms with damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain on Saturday. Residents should take action now to stay safe and protect their property. Weather experts urge everyone to stay updated, take warnings seriously, and prepare for rapidly changing conditions. Houston’s weather may be unpredictable, but one thing is certain—this weekend will be anything but ordinary.