Houston, December 30, 2025
Houston, Texas, experienced fierce wind gusts as a powerful cold front moved through, resulting in a significant drop in temperatures and widespread power outages. Wind gusts exceeded 50 mph at several airports, leading to over 30,000 customers losing power. The sharp temperature decline saw highs drop from the 80s to the 50s, with wind chills in the 30s and 20s. Forecasts predict calmer winds ahead, but chilly conditions will persist for some time as Houston transitions into the new year.
Houston Experiences Strong Winds and Temperature Drop
Houston, Texas, faced significant wind gusts on Monday, December 29, 2025, as a powerful cold front swept through the region, bringing with it a notable drop in temperatures. These strong winds, driven by atmospheric pressure differences, resulted in widespread power outages across the area.
Wind Gusts and Power Disruptions
During the peak of the event, wind gusts reached over 50 miles per hour (mph) at locations such as Hooks Airport in Tomball and Galveston, with Hobby Airport recording 48 mph gusts and Bush Airport seeing gusts up to 40 mph. Sustained winds were reported between 20-30 mph, with gusts generally peaking at 40-45 mph. The intense winds led to more than 30,000 CenterPoint Energy customers experiencing power outages at their height. By Monday afternoon, the number of affected customers had decreased to fewer than 4,000. Utility crews have been working to safely restore power as quickly as possible.
The Science Behind the Winds
Winds are fundamentally caused by changes in atmospheric pressure. Air naturally moves from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure, attempting to achieve equilibrium in the Earth’s atmosphere. The more significant the difference in pressure, also known as the pressure gradient, the stronger the resulting wind. Cold fronts are essentially boundaries where a cooler, denser air mass displaces warmer air, and surface low-pressure systems are commonly associated with these fronts. The Coriolis Effect, caused by the Earth’s rotation, also influences wind patterns by deflecting air movement to the right in the Northern Hemisphere, contributing to the westward motion of pressure systems.
Temperature Shift and Outlook
The cold front brought a sharp return to winter-like conditions. Temperatures in Houston saw a dramatic drop, falling from the lower 80s over the preceding weekend to the 50s. Wind chill values occasionally fell into the mid-30s, with some areas north of Harris County experiencing feels-like temperatures in the 20s. While Monday experienced strong, gusty winds, forecasts indicated that these winds were expected to calm down by Tuesday, December 30, 2025, though chilly temperatures would persist. Looking ahead, warmer temperatures are expected to return for the start of the new year.
Broader Context of Weather Events
This recent wind event represents one of the largest weather-related power disruptions in the Houston area this month. A similar cold front in early December also led to outages for approximately 30,000 customers. These events align with a broader pattern of weather-driven disruptions experienced in Houston throughout 2025, including previous tornadoes that impacted homes, businesses, and power infrastructure. Across the United States, a powerful winter storm driven by an intense cyclone has been sweeping eastward, clashing frigid Canadian air with unusually warm air in the southern U.S., leading to various severe weather phenomena, including widespread strong winds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What caused the strong winds in Houston on Monday, December 29, 2025?
- The strong winds were primarily caused by a powerful cold front bringing arctic air through Texas, leading to significant changes in atmospheric pressure.
- How fast were the wind gusts in Houston?
- Wind gusts reached over 50 mph at Hooks Airport in Tomball and Galveston, 48 mph at Hobby Airport, and 40 mph at Bush Airport. Sustained winds were typically 20-30 mph with gusts peaking at 40-45 mph.
- Did the strong winds cause power outages?
- Yes, the strong winds caused power outages for over 30,000 CenterPoint Energy customers at their peak.
- What is the scientific explanation for wind?
- Wind is the movement of air caused by differences in atmospheric pressure. Air moves from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas. The greater the pressure difference, the stronger the wind.
- How did the temperatures change in Houston during this event?
- Temperatures in Houston dropped significantly, with highs falling from the lower 80s over the weekend to the 50s. Wind chills occasionally reached the mid-30s, and even the 20s north of Harris County.
Key Features of the Houston Wind Event (December 29, 2025)
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Cause | Powerful cold front bringing arctic air and significant atmospheric pressure differences. |
| Peak Wind Gusts | Over 50 mph (Hooks Airport, Galveston), 48 mph (Hobby Airport), 40 mph (Bush Airport). |
| Sustained Wind Speeds | 20-30 mph, with gusts peaking at 40-45 mph. |
| Maximum Power Outages | Over 30,000 CenterPoint Energy customers affected. |
| Temperature Drop | Highs fell from lower 80s (weekend) to 50s. Wind chills in 30s, occasionally 20s north of Harris County. |
| Scientific Principle | Air movement from high to low atmospheric pressure (pressure gradient force) and the Coriolis Effect. |
| Forecasted Resolution | Winds expected to calm by Tuesday, December 30, 2025, with warmer temperatures returning for the New Year. |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
