Houston residents soaked up the sun Thursday, but the break from wet weather is brief as forecasters predict showers and possible thunderstorms starting tonight, carrying into a potentially tumultuous Friday. According to the National Weather Service, tonight's breezy conditions will usher in a 90% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch possible.
A threat of severe thunderstorms lurks for southern states, with the Storm Prediction Center Norman OK placing parts of southern Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle at a marginal risk of severe weather Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. The forecast underscores an "isolated severe thunderstorms" risk, where the possibility of supercellular phenomena bringing a tornado threat to coastal areas remains limited.
The Houston Chronicle reports that while tonight's showers will likely be light, heavy rainfall and gusty winds up to 25 mph are expected Friday morning, potentially disrupting the commute across Southeast Texas. Drivers navigating early Thursday's fog are advised to take extra caution, using low beams and keeping distance from other vehicles.
Relief is anticipated by the weekend with a forecast calling for abundant sunshine and highs around 61 degrees Saturday, per the National Weather Service. However, overlooking the cooling relief, storm chances are on the horizon again as early as Monday, with the Houston Chronicle hinting at the possibility of a few stronger storms, fueled by temperatures soaring near 70 degrees ahead of a cold front.
