Southeast Texas Braces for Hotter-Than-Average Summer in 2026
The NOAA Climate Prediction Center has forecasted a warmer-than-average summer for Texas in 2026. Seasonal precipitation is expected to remain near average across most of the state, except for the Gulf Coast, which is predicted to experience drier-than-average conditions. The ongoing drought in Texas is likely to persist, though some areas may see slight improvement. An El Niño event developing in the Pacific Ocean is expected to influence the region's weather patterns, contributing to the elevated temperatures. According to Cameron Kowalski, a forecaster with NWS Lake Charles, Southeast Texas, particularly areas east of Houston, will experience consistently higher temperatures throughout the summer. A brief cooldown may occur in late June, but July and August are expected to bring a return to above-average heat. 
