Alright, Houston, let's talk about hitting the trails today. Honestly, it's a mixed bag, and mostly because Mother Nature (and our city planners) are feeling a bit spicy.
Why today is not your PR day:
- Winds are whipping. We've got a Wind Advisory until 6 p.m., with gusts pushing 30-35 mph, especially this afternoon. That's enough to make your run feel like a treadmill on incline and resistance, and cycling is going to be a battle.
- Pollen and Mold are having a party, and you're not invited (unless you want to sniffle). While the general AQI is "Good," don't let that fool you. Local specific counts show Cedar and Elm pollen in the heavy range, and mold spores like Cladosporium and Ascospores are straight-up extremely heavy. Your lungs are going to feel that, trust me.
- Construction and Wildfire Smoke are the gifts that keep on giving. There's a brush fire in northeast Houston near Greens Bayou and John Ralston Road that's 75% contained, but residents nearby are still smelling smoke, and "light density residual smoke aerosols" are floating around. Add to that perennial construction closures, and your usual routes are probably a mess.
The Breakdown
Houston, today is a prime example of why you can't just glance at the temperature and think it's a green light. Yes, it's a pleasant 75°F (23.9°C) and mostly clear, which sounds lovely for a run. But then you step outside.
The wind isn't just a gentle breeze; we're under a Wind Advisory until 6 PM, with sustained southerly winds of 10-15 mph and gusts up to a whopping 30-35 mph, particularly post-lunch. If you're planning on cycling the Buffalo Bayou Park trails or running along Memorial Drive, prepare to be pushed around. This isn't just annoying; it's a real energy drain and can mess with your balance, especially if you're hitting one of those unpaved sections where dust and debris will be flying.
Speaking of flying debris, let's talk about what's in the air. The overall Air Quality Index is a seemingly good 46, but don't get complacent. There's a significant brush fire still smoldering in northeast Houston near Greens Bayou, meaning "light density residual smoke aerosols" are present, and elevated fine particulate matter (<10µm) is the dominant pollutant. If you've got any kind of respiratory sensitivity, you will feel this.
And the pollen? Oh, the pollen and mold. This is where the "Low" reading you might see on some apps is just plain wrong. The Houston Health Department's detailed report for today is an allergy sufferer's nightmare. Cedar and Elm tree pollen counts are in the "Heavy" category, and Oak is "Medium." But the real kicker? Mold spores. Cladosporium is clocking in at an "Extremely Heavy" 1628 and Ascospores at 907. If you're susceptible, your sinuses are already protesting.
| Type | Level | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Pollen | Heavy | 119 |
| Elm Pollen | Heavy | 113 |
| Oak Pollen | Medium | 44 |
| Cladosporium Mold | Extremely Heavy | 1628 |
| Ascospores Mold | Extremely Heavy | 907 |
Watch Out For
High Winds Ahead: Expect gusts up to 30-35 mph today. This makes running directly into the wind a grueling task and can make cycling downright dangerous, especially on open stretches or when crossing bridges like those over Buffalo Bayou. Secure any loose gear if you're taking your workout outdoors!
Wildfire Smoke & Elevated Fire Risk: Despite generally good AQI, residual smoke from the Greens Bayou fire and elevated particulate matter are present. Avoid prolonged strenuous activity if you're sensitive to smoke. Additionally, dry conditions and high winds mean there's an elevated wildfire threat across Southeast Texas, so be extra cautious with anything that could spark a fire.
Trail Closures & Detours: The MKT Trail Hogan Pedestrian Bridge remains closed, forcing detours onto less safe, traffic-laden streets. Also, a section of the Brays Bayou Trail is closed at Spur 5 due to ongoing highway construction. Always check local trail updates before heading out to avoid unexpected detours that might put you in harm's way.
Allergy Alert: With extremely high mold spore counts and heavy tree pollen, if you suffer from allergies or asthma, consider an indoor workout today. If you must go outside, pre-medicate and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from airborne irritants.
In short, if you're running outside today, you're either a glutton for punishment or supremely committed. Keep it short, stay alert, and maybe opt for the gym if you value your lungs and knees.
Data grounded with Click2Houston, Houston Chronicle, Space City Weather, TCEQ, NWS Houston/Galveston, Houston Bike Guide, Houston Public Works, and Houston Health Department from February 24-25, 2026.