Houston (TX) is one of the largest cities in Texas, known for its vibrant economy and diverse culture. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate, with frequent rainfall throughout the year. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Houston's annual average number of rainy days, monthly average rainfall, and the highest recorded rainfall.

Annual Average Number of Rainy Days

Houston receives an average of about 100 rainy days per year. This is relatively high compared to other major cities in Texas. Rainfall is most common in spring and fall, while summer often sees heavy rains due to thunderstorms and hurricanes. Winter also experiences a fair amount of rain, but the total rainfall is lower compared to other seasons.

Monthly Average Rainfall

The monthly average rainfall in Houston varies significantly by season. The average rainfall for each month is as follows:

• January: about 3.1 inches of rain.

• February: about 3.3 inches of rain.

• March: about 4.1 inches of rain.

• April: about 3.6 inches of rain.

• May: about 4.0 inches of rain.

• June: about 4.2 inches of rain.

• July: about 4.5 inches of rain.

• August: about 4.5 inches of rain.

• September: about 4.0 inches of rain.

• October: about 3.4 inches of rain.

• November: about 3.4 inches of rain.

• December: about 3.0 inches of rain.

Key Features:

• Spring (March to May): Spring is a time when rainfall gradually increases in Houston. Particularly in April and May, strong thunderstorms and heavy rains often occur as a precursor to hurricane season.

• Summer (June to August): Summer is the season with the highest recorded rainfall in Houston. Due to high temperatures and humidity, sudden heavy rains from thunderstorms and hurricanes frequently occur.

• Fall (September to November): Fall still sees a lot of rain, but gradually transitions to drier weather. Particularly in September, rainfall may increase due to the influence of hurricane season.

• Winter (December to February): Winter is relatively dry, with lower rainfall amounts. However, occasional cold fronts can bring rain, leading to significant temperature fluctuations.

Highest Recorded Rainfall

The highest recorded rainfall in Houston occurred in August 2017 during Hurricane Harvey, with 60 inches (about 1524mm) of rain. This rainfall was concentrated over a short period, causing severe flooding throughout the city.

Major Impacts:

• Flooding: Roads and homes were flooded, leading to traffic paralysis and residential damage.

• Infrastructure Damage: The drainage system and other urban infrastructure suffered significant damage, requiring a long recovery period.

• Casualties: Dozens of casualties were reported due to accidents related to flooding from the rainfall.

• Economic Losses: Damage to commercial areas and homes resulted in economic losses amounting to billions of dollars.