Weather in Houston and other cities in Texas? (Dallas, Austin: allergies, to live)

[chicagoresident]

Hi,

I was just wondering what the weather is typically like in Houston all year round? Is it the same in other cities such as Dallas, Austin, etc? Would you recommend any of these cities to someone who suffers from asthma.. where the asthma attacks are triggered by cold/ humid weather? Thanks!

[Weatherguy]

Originally Posted by chicagoresident

Hi,

I was just wondering what the weather is typically like in Houston all year round? Is it the same in other cities such as Dallas, Austin, etc? Would you recommend any of these cities to someone who suffers from asthma.. where the asthma attacks are triggered by cold/ humid weather? Thanks!

For Houston, the bad news is that it's hot and very humid from May through about mid Ocotber. The good news is that from mid October through April, the temperatures are very mild, even in January. January temps average in the 60s (and often 70s) for highs and 40s for lows. Of course, there are some days that can get pretty cold, but not very often. And nothing like the Midwest regarding cold. It can rain like crazy year round; Houston is the wettest of the 5 largest U.S. cities. But there's also plenty of sunshine, as in the midwest. During El Nino years, there can be long, gray, rainy periods during the winter, but in La Nina years, such periods may not occur, and if so, for only a day or two at a time.

Dallas is hotter in the summer, much colder in the winter, and still fairly humid (not quite as humid). Dallas has more of a midwestern climate than the wet, tropical climate of Houston. Rainfall in Dallas averages about what it does in Chicago for the annual average. Dallas does get snow almost every year (1 or 2 snows), but usually not a lot.

Austin's climate is similar to Dallas, but not as cool in the winter. Still fairly humid much of the time but not like Houston. Snow occurs only ever several years (and not much). The most notorious winter phenomenon in Austin is ice storms. Usually, there's at least one each winter, and they can be doozies, breaking trees and creating havoc on the hilly streets. Austin hasn't had a really bad one in 2 years.

Allergies and asthma tend to be bad in this part of the country. They may be better further west. The three cities you asked about are not far enough west to avoid those problems. I have to say, though, that I know people in Arizona that have tremendous allergy and asthma problems. Not sure whether there's a good place for that.

Hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any more questions -
Dave

[chicagoresident]

Thanks for the info Dave! Yeah, I think I need to look into cities on the west coast.. def. want to stay away from a place that's too humid. Are you aware of any other cities.. maybe in Florida or elsewhere down south that might be worth checking out? Thanks a lot...

[professorsenator]

Generally speaking, Texas is the second hottest part of the U.S. (second only to the desert southwest -- Arizona, Nevada, and parts of southern California). Texas is also humid, and the seasons (with the exception of summer) are not pronounced. Many people in TX like the weather but compared to most other parts of the U.S., TX weather is extreme and uncomfortable. I lived there for many years and hated it.

Florida is much better for sun; it doesn't get as hot as Texas and the FL beaches are light years better...and much closer to most places in the state.

[Weatherguy]

Originally Posted by professorsenator

Generally speaking, Texas is the second hottest part of the U.S. (second only to the desert southwest -- Arizona, Nevada, and parts of southern California). Texas is also humid, and the seasons (with the exception of summer) are not pronounced. Many people in TX like the weather but compared to most other parts of the U.S., TX weather is extreme and uncomfortable. I lived there for many years and hated it.

Florida is much better for sun; it doesn't get as hot as Texas and the FL beaches are light years better...and much closer to most places in the state.

You cannot generalize about Texas climate. There are many climates, ranging from wet/humid in the east; tropical in the south; somewhat midwestern in the north; cold, harsh winters in the Panhandle; to sunny mountain/desert in the far west. Regarding Florida, Florida's humidity is stifling and the climate (except for a few months during the winter) is extremely uncomfortable unless you can afford to live right on the coast and enjoy the coastal breezes. The original poster would probably enjoy a climate such as Albuquerque's, where the humidty is almost always very low, the sun shines most days, winters are interesting with periodic snow but a lot of mild weather, too. The mountains ad ski slopes are right there next to the city. It's probabaly the perfect climate.