Houston residents are bracing for a deluge as forecasters predict more heavy rain on its way, setting the stage for a potentially soggy day ahead. According to the National Weather Service, Wednesday will bring showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 3 pm, followed by likely thunderstorms after 3 pm, with the possibility of heavy rainfall in some areas.
The skies over Houston are expected to significantly open up, leading to a 100% chance of rain, accompanied by patchy fog and temperatures hovering around 67 degrees. A mix of showers and thunderstorms is on the menu for Wednesday night, with an estimated 70% chance of precipitation, which could potentially add to already saturated grounds and elevate flooding concerns. Transitions from foggy patches to mostly cloudy skies are expected to primarily obscure the sun on Thursday and Thursday night, keeping temperatures steady with a high near 69 and a low around 55.
The Storm Prediction Center also adds that there's a "marginal risk of severe thunderstorms" across the lower Mississippi River Valley, with Thursday's forecast emphasizing the threat of a few strong to severe thunderstorms in the central Gulf Coast region.
Houston is already exceeding its normal rainfall for January. As reported by the Houston Chronicle, Bush Intercontinental Airport has already recorded rainfall about 2.16 inches above the average for January, while the Hobby Airport has seen levels around 2.4 inches more than usual.
Post-Thursday, drier conditions move in, with the National Weather Service predicting a quick respite filled with sunshine. Adding to that, an expected cold front by Saturday aims to usher in cooler and drier air. Yet, the first week of February may see a return to wetter and warmer conditions, aligning with a typical El Niño setup that has been marking a contrast to last year's dry conditions.
