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We were visiting your lovely city this weekend (we own a ranch near Burnet) and as we walked from 6th/Lavaca to Z Tejas on west 6th at noon-ish we remarked how hot and humid it was, much like Houston. In fact, to me, the weather seemed the same. At that time I looked up the heat index at Houston Bush and Austin Bergstrom and Austin was at 98 while Houston was at a baltic 96 (sarcasm).
Anyway, our friends who live in Austin always brag about how much less humid their summers are as if it is a major difference between the two cities, Houston, like always, being on the short end of the stick. I've been to Austin countless times during the summer months and I just don't see it. It is just as hot and miserable as Houston from May-Sept. I mean as the crow flies Houston is only 130 miles or so from Austin. I recognize the gargantuan 450ft elevation gain (more sarcasm) as you head northwest toward the hill country from Houston must help decrease the relative feel of the heat but all in all I think it's an apples to apples comparison. And where we live near Houston we have a constant breeze...same as in Austin to help buffer the feel of the heat.
This isn't meant to be a thread bashing Austin I'm just wondering if there is any "proof" in NOAA weather records or NCDC climate data that, in fact, Houston is more humid and miserable (weather-wise). Cheers!
Small sample-size is a factor in your comparison. There is a summer phenomenon in Texas called the dryline, which divides the dry west from the humid east. The dryline moves in response to fronts and other weather forces. Austin and San Antonio are usually on the humid side of the dryline and sometimes on the dry side. As far as I know, Houston is almost never on the dry side.
Last week's weather you sampled had the dryline on both sides of Austin and San Antonio.
Small sample-size is a factor in your comparison. There is a summer phenomenon in Texas called the dryline, which divides the dry west from the humid east. The dryline moves in response to fronts and other weather forces. Austin and San Antonio are usually on the humid side of the dryline and sometimes on the dry side. As far as I know, Houston is almost never on the dry side.
Last week's weather you sampled had the dryline on both sides of Austin and San Antonio.
The dryline retreats near a Del Rio>San Angelo>just east of Lubbock (on the caprock) line starting now (also known as the 100th meridian demarcation) through September. Austin and San Antonio will be well east of the true dry line (surface dew points less than 60F) for the next 4 months at least.
I'm trying to compare the true summer months (by Texas standards). I agree the differences are more pronounced in the fall, winter and spring.
You want the raw data, let's look at it (courtesy of Weather Underground) for today, you'll notice similar patterns everyday:
Austin weather:
Time (CDT)Temp.Dew PointHumiditySea Level PressureVisibilityWind DirWind SpeedGust SpeedPrecipEventsConditions12
12:51 AM78.1 °F 70.0 °F 76%29.81 in 10.0 miles SSE9.2 mph 20.7 mph N/A Partly Cloudy
1:24 AM78.8 °F 71.6 °F 78%29.86 in 10.0 miles SSE6.9 mph 17.3 mph N/A Overcast
1:51 AM78.1 °F 71.1 °F 79%29.81 in 10.0 miles SSE10.4 mph 18.4 mph N/A Overcast
2:51 AM78.1 °F 72.0 °F 81%29.79 in 10.0 miles SSE12.7 mph 18.4 mph N/A Overcast
3:14 AM78.8 °F 71.6 °F 78%29.84 in 9.0 miles SSE8.1 mph - N/A Overcast
3:46 AM78.8 °F 71.6 °F 78%29.83 in 9.0 miles SSE10.4 mph 19.6 mph N/A Overcast
3:51 AM78.1 °F 72.0 °F 81%29.79 in 9.0 miles SSE10.4 mph 19.6 mph N/A Overcast
4:18 AM78.8 °F 71.6 °F 78%29.84 in 9.0 miles Variable5.8 mph 16.1 mph N/A Overcast
4:51 AM78.1 °F 72.0 °F 81%29.80 in 9.0 miles SSE9.2 mph - N/A Overcast
5:12 AM78.8 °F 71.6 °F 78%29.85 in 9.0 miles Variable6.9 mph - N/A Overcast
5:32 AM78.8 °F 71.6 °F 78%29.85 in 9.0 miles SSE8.1 mph 18.4 mph N/A Overcast
5:43 AM78.8 °F 71.6 °F 78%29.85 in 9.0 miles SSE10.4 mph 18.4 mph N/A Overcast
5:51 AM78.1 °F 72.0 °F 81%29.81 in 9.0 miles SSE9.2 mph 19.6 mph N/A Overcast
6:51 AM79.0 °F 72.0 °F 79%29.83 in 9.0 miles SSE10.4 mph - N/A Overcast
7:51 AM79.0 °F 72.0 °F 79%29.85 in 10.0 miles SSE13.8 mph 25.3 mph N/A Overcast
8:51 AM80.1 °F 71.1 °F 74%29.87 in 10.0 miles South5.8 mph 19.6 mph N/A Overcast
9:28 AM82.4 °F 71.6 °F 70%29.92 in 10.0 miles SSE13.8 mph 25.3 mph N/A Mostly Cloudy
9:51 AM82.0 °F 70.0 °F 67%29.88 in 10.0 miles SSE10.4 mph 28.8 mph N/A Mostly Cloudy
10:51 AM86.0 °F 69.1 °F 57%29.87 in 10.0 miles SSE11.5 mph 29.9 mph N/A Mostly Cloudy
11:51 AM89.1 °F 68.0 °F 50%29.87 in 10.0 miles SSE10.4 mph 26.5 mph N/A Mostly Cloudy
12:51 PM91.0 °F 66.9 °F 45%29.86 in 10.0 miles South13.8 mph 25.3 mph N/A Mostly Cloudy
1:51 PM93.0 °F 66.0 °F 41%29.84 in 10.0 miles SSE12.7 mph 25.3 mph N/A Mostly Cloudy
2:51 PM95.0 °F 64.9 °F 37%29.83 in 10.0 miles SSE15.0 mph 25.3 mph N/A Partly Cloudy
3:51 PM96.1 °F 63.0 °F 33%29.81 in 10.0 miles South10.4 mph 28.8 mph N/A Partly Cloudy
4:51 PM95.0 °F 63.0 °F 34%29.81 in 10.0 miles SE19.6 mph 29.9 mph N/A Clear
5:51 PM93.9 °F 61.0 °F 33%29.81 in 10.0 miles SE19.6 mph 29.9 mph N/A Clear
6:51 PM91.9 °F 57.9°F 32%29.81 in 10.0 miles SSE13.8 mph 26.5 mph N/A Clear
7:51 PM89.1 °F 66.0 °F 46%29.85 in 10.0 miles SE13.8 mph 27.6 mph N/A Clear
8:51 PM84.9 °F 66.0 °F 53%29.88 in 10.0 miles SSE10.4 mph 29.9 mph N/A Clear
9:51 PM82.9 °F 68.0 °F 60%29.92 in 10.0 miles SSE12.7 mph 23.0 mph N/A Clear
10:39 PM80.6 °F 69.8 °F 70%29.99 in 10.0 miles SSE9.2 mph 19.6 mph N/A Mostly Cloudy
10:51 PM81.0 °F 70.0 °F 69%29.96 in 10.0 miles SSE9.2 mph 23.0 mph N/A Mostly Cloudy History : Weather Underground
Look at the dewpoint at 6:51PM, 57 degrees which is very comfortable and dry, California like. This confirms the fact that we notice the evenings are dry in Austin.
Now let's look at Houston:
Time (CDT)Temp.Dew PointHumiditySea Level PressureVisibilityWind DirWind SpeedGust SpeedPrecipEventsConditions
12:02 AM80.6 °F 73.4 °F 79%29.91 in 10.0 miles SSE11.5 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
12:53 AM80.1 °F 73.0 °F 79%29.91 in 10.0 miles SSE11.5 mph 19.6 mph N/A Scattered Clouds
1:53 AM79.0 °F 73.0 °F 82%29.90 in 10.0 miles SSE12.7 mph 21.9 mph N/A Scattered Clouds
2:43 AM78.8 °F 73.4 °F 83%29.89 in 10.0 miles SSE10.4 mph 20.7 mph N/A Mostly Cloudy
2:52 AM79.0 °F 73.0 °F 82%29.90 in 10.0 miles SE11.5 mph 17.3 mph N/A Scattered Clouds
3:06 AM78.8 °F 73.4 °F 83%29.89 in 10.0 miles SE12.7 mph 18.4 mph N/A Scattered Clouds
3:17 AM80.6 °F 73.4 °F 79%29.89 in 10.0 miles SE11.5 mph 23.0 mph N/A Mostly Cloudy
3:46 AM78.8 °F 73.4 °F 83%29.89 in 10.0 miles SSE13.8 mph 21.9 mph N/A Scattered Clouds
3:53 AM79.0 °F 73.0 °F 82%29.91 in 10.0 miles SSE11.5 mph 21.9 mph N/A Scattered Clouds
4:53 AM79.0 °F 73.0 °F 82%29.91 in 10.0 miles SSE10.4 mph - N/A Partly Cloudy
5:53 AM78.1 °F 73.0 °F 84%29.92 in 10.0 miles SSE5.8 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
6:53 AM79.0 °F 73.0 °F 82%29.94 in 10.0 miles SSE9.2 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
7:53 AM81.0 °F 73.0 °F 77%29.96 in 10.0 miles SSE11.5 mph 18.4 mph N/A Scattered Clouds
8:53 AM82.4 °F 71.6 °F 70%29.96 in 10.0 miles SSE20.7 mph 27.6 mph N/A Scattered Clouds
9:53 AM87.1 °F 71.1 °F 59%29.98 in 10.0 miles SSE18.4 mph 28.8 mph N/A Scattered Clouds
10:53 AM88.0 °F 70.0 °F 55%29.99 in 10.0 miles SSE17.3 mph 27.6 mph N/A Scattered Clouds
11:53 AM89.1 °F 69.1 °F 52%29.99 in 10.0 miles South17.3 mph 28.8 mph N/A Scattered Clouds
12:53 PM89.1 °F 69.1 °F 52%29.99 in 10.0 miles SSE23.0 mph 28.8 mph N/A Scattered Clouds
1:53 PM89.1 °F 70.0 °F 53%29.97 in 10.0 miles SSE18.4 mph 26.5 mph N/A Scattered Clouds
2:53 PM91.0 °F 69.1 °F 48%29.96 in 10.0 miles ESE16.1 mph 26.5 mph N/A Scattered Clouds
3:53 PM90.0 °F 69.1 °F 50%29.96 in 10.0 miles SSE17.3 mph 24.2 mph N/A Scattered Clouds
4:53 PM89.1 °F 71.1 °F 55%29.96 in 10.0 miles SE15.0 mph 23.0 mph N/A Mostly Cloudy
5:53 PM87.1 °F 70.0 °F 57%29.96 in 10.0 miles SE18.4 mph 23.0 mph N/A Scattered Clouds
6:53 PM84.9 °F 72.0 °F 65%29.97 in 10.0 miles SE15.0 mph 20.7 mph N/A Scattered Clouds
7:53 PM82.9 °F 72.0 °F 69%29.99 in 10.0 miles SSE12.7 mph 20.7 mph N/A Scattered Clouds
8:53 PM82.0 °F 73.0 °F 74%30.00 in 10.0 miles SE10.4 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
9:53 PM81.0 °F 73.0 °F 77%30.02 in 10.0 miles SE13.8 mph 23.0 mph N/A Scattered Clouds
10:38 PM80.6 °F 73.4 °F 79%30.02 in 10.0 miles SSE15.0 mph 20.7 mph N/A Mostly Cloudy
10:53 PM80.1 °F 73.0 °F 79%30.04 in 10.0 miles SE10.4 mph 20.7 mph N/A Mostly Cloudy History : Weather Underground
The dewpoint in Houston never gets below 69.1F which is humid, even in the evenings when Austin had a 57 degree dewpoint. Notice I highlighted the hottest times of the day at which Houston peaks at 65% humidity, Austin peaks at 37% humidity. That is quite a drastic difference and why today walking around at the Outlet mall in San Marcos I was very comfortable in the shade with the wind.
What happens is that the dry line comes into Austin every evening when the high pressure dome over west Texas covers Austin. Then the dry line retreats as Gulf humidity pushes in at night. In Houston, Gulf humidity rules, even in the middle of the day and evening.
Look at the charts and you'll see the numbers prove it out. Thus, statistically Austin is just more comfortable than Houston.
Look at the charts and you'll see the numbers prove it out. Thus, statistically Austin is just more comfortable than Houston.
Interesting...so for 4 hours during the day (when the dewpoints were less than 65) Austin was more comfortable...1/6th of the day? I'd hardly consider that a substantial part of the day but I do see your point. The air temperatures were also warmer by a good 5 degrees in Austin.
I'd really like to see a seasonal average from May-Sept because I think when the heart of summer sets in for Austin and Houston in July the numbers are much more comparable in terms of dewpoints.
For example, here is Austin (bergstrom) on July 5, 2010:
12:51 AM 79.0 °F 72.0 °F 79% 29.86 in 10.0 miles SSE 5.8 mph - N/A Clear
1:51 AM 77.0 °F 72.0 °F 84% 29.86 in 10.0 miles South 3.5 mph - N/A Clear
2:51 AM 77.0 °F 73.0 °F 88% 29.85 in 10.0 miles SSE 6.9 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
2:59 AM 77.0 °F 73.4 °F 89% 29.88 in 10.0 miles Variable 5.8 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
3:51 AM 75.9 °F 73.0 °F 91% 29.83 in 10.0 miles SSE 4.6 mph - N/A Partly Cloudy
4:07 AM 75.2 °F 73.4 °F 94% 29.87 in 10.0 miles SSE 3.5 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
4:51 AM 77.0 °F 73.0 °F 88% 29.84 in 10.0 miles Variable 4.6 mph - N/A Overcast
5:33 AM 75.2 °F 73.4 °F 94% 29.88 in 10.0 miles South 4.6 mph - N/A Overcast
5:51 AM 75.9 °F 73.0 °F 91% 29.85 in 10.0 miles South 3.5 mph - N/A Overcast
6:51 AM 77.0 °F 73.9 °F 90% 29.85 in 10.0 miles Variable 4.6 mph - N/A Overcast
7:51 AM 77.0 °F 73.9 °F 90% 29.85 in 10.0 miles SSE 4.6 mph - N/A Overcast
8:32 AM 78.8 °F 73.4 °F 83% 29.90 in 10.0 miles South 5.8 mph - N/A Overcast
8:51 AM 80.1 °F 73.9 °F 81% 29.86 in 10.0 miles Variable 3.5 mph - N/A Overcast
9:13 AM 80.6 °F 73.4 °F 79% 29.91 in 10.0 miles Calm Calm - N/A Overcast
9:51 AM 81.0 °F 73.9 °F 79% 29.87 in 10.0 miles Variable 3.5 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
9:58 AM 80.6 °F 73.4 °F 79% 29.90 in 10.0 miles Variable 3.5 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
10:51 AM 82.9 °F 73.9 °F 74% 29.86 in 10.0 miles Variable 4.6 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
11:26 AM 84.2 °F 73.4 °F 70% 29.90 in 10.0 miles SSW 4.6 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
11:51 AM 88.0 °F 73.9 °F 63% 29.86 in 10.0 miles Variable 5.8 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
12:51 PM 89.1 °F 72.0 °F 57% 29.85 in 10.0 miles SSE 6.9 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
1:51 PM 91.0 °F 72.0 °F 53% 29.84 in 10.0 miles Variable 4.6 mph - N/A Partly Cloudy
2:51 PM 91.0 °F 71.1 °F 52% 29.82 in 10.0 miles SE 6.9 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
3:51 PM 93.0 °F 71.1 °F 49% 29.80 in 10.0 miles SSE 8.1 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
4:51 PM 91.9 °F 71.1 °F 50% 29.79 in 10.0 miles Variable 5.8 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
5:51 PM 91.9 °F 69.1 °F 47% 29.78 in 10.0 miles Variable 3.5 mph - N/A Clear
6:51 PM 90.0 °F 68.0 °F 48% 29.77 in 10.0 miles ESE 5.8 mph - N/A Clear
7:51 PM 87.1 °F 71.1 °F 59% 29.78 in 10.0 miles SE 3.5 mph - N/A Partly Cloudy
8:51 PM 86.0 °F 72.0 °F 63% 29.79 in 10.0 miles SE 3.5 mph - N/A Clear
9:51 PM 84.9 °F 72.0 °F 65% 29.82 in 10.0 miles SE 3.5 mph - N/A Clear
10:51 PM 82.9 °F 71.1 °F 67% 29.84 in 10.0 miles Variable 5.8 mph - N/A Clear
11:51 PM 82.0 °F 70.0 °F 67% 29.85 in 10.0 miles Variable 3.5 mph - N/A Clear
Dewpoints never dropped to a comfortable level....
And here is Houston (bush)
12:53 AM 81.0 °F 75.0 °F 82% 29.91 in 7.0 miles SE 3.5 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
1:53 AM 80.1 °F 75.0 °F 85% 29.91 in 10.0 miles SSE 3.5 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
2:53 AM 80.1 °F 75.0 °F 85% 29.89 in 10.0 miles Calm Calm - N/A Mostly Cloudy
3:53 AM 79.0 °F 75.0 °F 88% 29.87 in 10.0 miles SE 3.5 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
4:53 AM 79.0 °F 75.0 °F 88% 29.86 in 10.0 miles Calm Calm - N/A Mostly Cloudy
5:53 AM 79.0 °F 75.0 °F 88% 29.87 in 10.0 miles Calm Calm - N/A Mostly Cloudy
6:53 AM 79.0 °F 75.0 °F 88% 29.88 in 10.0 miles Calm Calm - N/A Scattered Clouds
7:53 AM 80.1 °F 75.9 °F 87% 29.90 in 10.0 miles Calm Calm - N/A Scattered Clouds
8:53 AM 82.9 °F 75.9 °F 79% 29.91 in 10.0 miles SSW 3.5 mph - N/A Partly Cloudy
9:53 AM 84.9 °F 75.0 °F 72% 29.90 in 10.0 miles SW 5.8 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
10:53 AM 87.1 °F 73.9 °F 65% 29.89 in 10.0 miles Calm Calm - N/A Scattered Clouds
11:53 AM 89.1 °F 72.0 °F 57% 29.89 in 10.0 miles WSW 4.6 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
12:53 PM 89.1 °F 72.0 °F 57% 29.88 in 10.0 miles ESE 3.5 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
1:53 PM 91.0 °F 73.0 °F 55% 29.86 in 10.0 miles SE 3.5 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
2:53 PM 91.9 °F 73.0 °F 54% 29.84 in 10.0 miles Calm Calm - N/A Mostly Cloudy
3:53 PM 90.0 °F 73.9 °F 59% 29.83 in 10.0 miles SE 9.2 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
4:53 PM 90.0 °F 73.9 °F 59% 29.82 in 10.0 miles SE 9.2 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
5:53 PM 89.1 °F 75.0 °F 63% 29.82 in 10.0 miles South 4.6 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
6:53 PM 90.0 °F 72.0 °F 55% 29.81 in 10.0 miles East 6.9 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
7:53 PM 87.1 °F 71.1 °F 59% 29.82 in 10.0 miles SE 5.8 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
8:53 PM 84.9 °F 71.1 °F 63% 29.82 in 10.0 miles SE 4.6 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
9:53 PM 84.0 °F 72.0 °F 67% 29.84 in 10.0 miles Calm Calm - N/A Scattered Clouds
10:53 PM 82.9 °F 73.0 °F 72% 29.86 in 10.0 miles Calm Calm - N/A Scattered Clouds
11:53 PM 80.1 °F 75.0 °F 85% 29.87 in 10.0 miles SSW 3.5 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
Dewpoints are very similar...never dropping below the 65F threshold (still humid but more comfortable than 70) at any point.
These are just snapshots in time but I still just don't see major differences in the summer months.
Interesting...so for 4 hours during the day (when the dewpoints were less than 65) Austin was more comfortable...1/6th of the day? I'd hardly consider that a substantial part of the day but I do see your point. The air temperatures were also warmer by a good 5 degrees in Austin.
I'd really like to see a seasonal average from May-Sept because I think when the heart of summer sets in for Austin and Houston in July the numbers are much more comparable in terms of dewpoints.
For example, here is Austin (bergstrom) on July 5, 2010:
12:51 AM 79.0 °F 72.0 °F 79% 29.86 in 10.0 miles SSE 5.8 mph - N/A Clear
1:51 AM 77.0 °F 72.0 °F 84% 29.86 in 10.0 miles South 3.5 mph - N/A Clear
2:51 AM 77.0 °F 73.0 °F 88% 29.85 in 10.0 miles SSE 6.9 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
2:59 AM 77.0 °F 73.4 °F 89% 29.88 in 10.0 miles Variable 5.8 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
3:51 AM 75.9 °F 73.0 °F 91% 29.83 in 10.0 miles SSE 4.6 mph - N/A Partly Cloudy
4:07 AM 75.2 °F 73.4 °F 94% 29.87 in 10.0 miles SSE 3.5 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
4:51 AM 77.0 °F 73.0 °F 88% 29.84 in 10.0 miles Variable 4.6 mph - N/A Overcast
5:33 AM 75.2 °F 73.4 °F 94% 29.88 in 10.0 miles South 4.6 mph - N/A Overcast
5:51 AM 75.9 °F 73.0 °F 91% 29.85 in 10.0 miles South 3.5 mph - N/A Overcast
6:51 AM 77.0 °F 73.9 °F 90% 29.85 in 10.0 miles Variable 4.6 mph - N/A Overcast
7:51 AM 77.0 °F 73.9 °F 90% 29.85 in 10.0 miles SSE 4.6 mph - N/A Overcast
8:32 AM 78.8 °F 73.4 °F 83% 29.90 in 10.0 miles South 5.8 mph - N/A Overcast
8:51 AM 80.1 °F 73.9 °F 81% 29.86 in 10.0 miles Variable 3.5 mph - N/A Overcast
9:13 AM 80.6 °F 73.4 °F 79% 29.91 in 10.0 miles Calm Calm - N/A Overcast
9:51 AM 81.0 °F 73.9 °F 79% 29.87 in 10.0 miles Variable 3.5 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
9:58 AM 80.6 °F 73.4 °F 79% 29.90 in 10.0 miles Variable 3.5 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
10:51 AM 82.9 °F 73.9 °F 74% 29.86 in 10.0 miles Variable 4.6 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
11:26 AM 84.2 °F 73.4 °F 70% 29.90 in 10.0 miles SSW 4.6 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
11:51 AM 88.0 °F 73.9 °F 63% 29.86 in 10.0 miles Variable 5.8 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
12:51 PM 89.1 °F 72.0 °F 57% 29.85 in 10.0 miles SSE 6.9 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
1:51 PM 91.0 °F 72.0 °F 53% 29.84 in 10.0 miles Variable 4.6 mph - N/A Partly Cloudy
2:51 PM 91.0 °F 71.1 °F 52% 29.82 in 10.0 miles SE 6.9 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
3:51 PM 93.0 °F 71.1 °F 49% 29.80 in 10.0 miles SSE 8.1 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
4:51 PM 91.9 °F 71.1 °F 50% 29.79 in 10.0 miles Variable 5.8 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
5:51 PM 91.9 °F 69.1 °F 47% 29.78 in 10.0 miles Variable 3.5 mph - N/A Clear
6:51 PM 90.0 °F 68.0 °F 48% 29.77 in 10.0 miles ESE 5.8 mph - N/A Clear
7:51 PM 87.1 °F 71.1 °F 59% 29.78 in 10.0 miles SE 3.5 mph - N/A Partly Cloudy
8:51 PM 86.0 °F 72.0 °F 63% 29.79 in 10.0 miles SE 3.5 mph - N/A Clear
9:51 PM 84.9 °F 72.0 °F 65% 29.82 in 10.0 miles SE 3.5 mph - N/A Clear
10:51 PM 82.9 °F 71.1 °F 67% 29.84 in 10.0 miles Variable 5.8 mph - N/A Clear
11:51 PM 82.0 °F 70.0 °F 67% 29.85 in 10.0 miles Variable 3.5 mph - N/A Clear
Dewpoints never dropped to a comfortable level....
And here is Houston (bush)
12:53 AM 81.0 °F 75.0 °F 82% 29.91 in 7.0 miles SE 3.5 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
1:53 AM 80.1 °F 75.0 °F 85% 29.91 in 10.0 miles SSE 3.5 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
2:53 AM 80.1 °F 75.0 °F 85% 29.89 in 10.0 miles Calm Calm - N/A Mostly Cloudy
3:53 AM 79.0 °F 75.0 °F 88% 29.87 in 10.0 miles SE 3.5 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
4:53 AM 79.0 °F 75.0 °F 88% 29.86 in 10.0 miles Calm Calm - N/A Mostly Cloudy
5:53 AM 79.0 °F 75.0 °F 88% 29.87 in 10.0 miles Calm Calm - N/A Mostly Cloudy
6:53 AM 79.0 °F 75.0 °F 88% 29.88 in 10.0 miles Calm Calm - N/A Scattered Clouds
7:53 AM 80.1 °F 75.9 °F 87% 29.90 in 10.0 miles Calm Calm - N/A Scattered Clouds
8:53 AM 82.9 °F 75.9 °F 79% 29.91 in 10.0 miles SSW 3.5 mph - N/A Partly Cloudy
9:53 AM 84.9 °F 75.0 °F 72% 29.90 in 10.0 miles SW 5.8 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
10:53 AM 87.1 °F 73.9 °F 65% 29.89 in 10.0 miles Calm Calm - N/A Scattered Clouds
11:53 AM 89.1 °F 72.0 °F 57% 29.89 in 10.0 miles WSW 4.6 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
12:53 PM 89.1 °F 72.0 °F 57% 29.88 in 10.0 miles ESE 3.5 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
1:53 PM 91.0 °F 73.0 °F 55% 29.86 in 10.0 miles SE 3.5 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
2:53 PM 91.9 °F 73.0 °F 54% 29.84 in 10.0 miles Calm Calm - N/A Mostly Cloudy
3:53 PM 90.0 °F 73.9 °F 59% 29.83 in 10.0 miles SE 9.2 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
4:53 PM 90.0 °F 73.9 °F 59% 29.82 in 10.0 miles SE 9.2 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
5:53 PM 89.1 °F 75.0 °F 63% 29.82 in 10.0 miles South 4.6 mph - N/A Mostly Cloudy
6:53 PM 90.0 °F 72.0 °F 55% 29.81 in 10.0 miles East 6.9 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
7:53 PM 87.1 °F 71.1 °F 59% 29.82 in 10.0 miles SE 5.8 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
8:53 PM 84.9 °F 71.1 °F 63% 29.82 in 10.0 miles SE 4.6 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
9:53 PM 84.0 °F 72.0 °F 67% 29.84 in 10.0 miles Calm Calm - N/A Scattered Clouds
10:53 PM 82.9 °F 73.0 °F 72% 29.86 in 10.0 miles Calm Calm - N/A Scattered Clouds
11:53 PM 80.1 °F 75.0 °F 85% 29.87 in 10.0 miles SSW 3.5 mph - N/A Scattered Clouds
Dewpoints are very similar...never dropping below the 65F threshold (still humid but more comfortable than 70) at any point.
These are just snapshots in time but I still just don't see major differences in the summer months.
Even with your data, the dewpoints are consistently 3-5 degrees lower in Austin than Houston. Also, Austin got into the upper 60's even in July while Houston never went below 71.
It may not seem like much to you, but to me it's the difference between uncomfortable and bearable. Austin just crosses that threshold into bearable. You'll notice the same consistent pattern that I mentioned. For example, above, Austin is at 68 degrees dewpoint at 6:51PM, in the evening.
The lower dewpoints in the evening explain why there is such an Al Fresco dining culture in Austin. It is truly comfortable to eat out in the evening.
Also, even if it's four hours of the day, it's the four hottest hours of the day where the humidity is lowest, causing the heat index to be lower (even if temperature is higher). 90 degrees with 70 degree dewpoint has a higher heat index than 95 with a 57 degree dewpoint, by the way.
Also, at every hour Austin has a lower dewpoint than Houston, but at the hottest hours, Austin has a more substantially lower dewpoint. Now, if you want, you could average out these charts for May-September and see what you get but I can tell you that this will be consistent. Austin is not a bone dry desert like El Paso, but it's drier than Houston, bottom line.
Also, you picked a day when the temp was in the low 90's in July (i.e. an atypical July day, average is mid to 90's then), so perhaps there was a low pressure system that was bringing in Gulf humidity. Get some data from one of the 100 degree days and you'll see the drastic difference between Houston and Austin, again mostly at the 7PM timeframe.
Even with your data, the dewpoints are consistently 3-5 degrees lower in Austin than Houston. Also, Austin got into the upper 60's even in July while Houston never went below 71.
It may not seem like much to you, but to me it's the difference between uncomfortable and bearable. Austin just crosses that threshold into bearable. You'll notice the same consistent pattern that I mentioned. For example, above, Austin is at 68 degrees dewpoint at 6:51PM, in the evening.
The lower dewpoints in the evening explain why there is such an Al Fresco dining culture in Austin. It is truly comfortable to eat out in the evening.
Also, even if it's four hours of the day, it's the four hottest hours of the day where the humidity is lowest, causing the heat index to be lower (even if temperature is higher). 90 degrees with 70 degree dewpoint has a higher heat index than 95 with a 57 degree dewpoint, by the way.
Also, at every hour Austin has a lower dewpoint than Houston, but at the hottest hours, Austin has a more substantially lower dewpoint. Now, if you want, you could average out these charts for May-September and see what you get but I can tell you that this will be consistent. Austin is not a bone dry desert like El Paso, but it's drier than Houston, bottom line.
Also, you picked a day when the temp was in the low 90's in July (i.e. an atypical July day, average is mid to 90's then), so perhaps there was a low pressure system that was bringing in Gulf humidity. Get some data from one of the 100 degree days and you'll see the drastic difference between Houston and Austin, again mostly at the 7PM timeframe.
I agree with you for the most part. Anytime I've debated this topic with friends in Austin or our neighbors in Burnet they make the Austin area out to be like Denver Colorado or even Amarillo which it is NOT. And, I think the Houston and Austin climes are so close to the same the differences are negligible. If I want a less humid climate (which I don't) I will relocate to Denver or Albuquerque...NOT Austin.
A hot day in Texas is still a hot day, and to most people from outside the state it would all seem the same... Houston, Austin, SA, even Dallas or Ft Worth.
The difference would be like getting poked in the eye 10 times instead of 12. It's no fun either way. But to the guy that gets poked in the eye 12 times every day, maybe 10 seems noticeably nicer
But besides human comfort, there are definite signs the climate is different. The flora and fauna look different. The annual rainfall is almost twice as much in Houston; that's going to mean more wet times and more bugs.
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