The city of Houston is bracing for potential flooding as a tropical low from the Gulf of Mexico is expected to escalate shower and thunderstorm activity in the area throughout the week. Scattered showers today will set the stage for heavier downpours, leading to localized flash flooding concerns, particularly near and south of Interstate 10. As the week progresses, the risk of severe weather intensifies with the heaviest rain forecasted to occur from Tuesday through Thursday, as the Houston Chronicle reported.

The National Weather Service, in its detailed forecast for Houston, stated that today's weather involves "Showers and thunderstorms," with a high near 88 degrees, and "heat index values as high as 101." The southeast wind may gust as high as 25 mph, raising the chance of precipitation to 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch are possible. The evening forecast suggests a 60% chance of continued thunderstorms, particularly before 7 p.m. According to the National Weather Service, "New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms" are expected.

In addition to the flooding potential,, the area faces other weather-related risks. The Weather Prediction Center has designated this time period a moderate risk of flooding, or a level 3 out of 4, emphasizing the potential for significant impact. The Houston Chronicle indicates that "Forecast rainfall totals have steadily climbed since late last week," and isolated totals could exceed 12 inches in some coastal areas. Moreover, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring the situation over the Yucatán Peninsula with a heightened sense of alert for possible storm development. This could mark the start of the hurricane season for the region, bringing additional wind and marine hazards.

On land, severe storms with hail or damaging winds aren't expected, but marine conditions will worsen with "Winds expected to steadily increase through midweek as the pressure gradient tightens," causing gusts along the coast of 40 mph or higher by Tuesday and Wednesday. Coastal flooding concerns are also on the rise due to the prolonged southeasterly winds, and "During high tide cycles Tuesday and Wednesday, this could result in coastal flooding." Rip current risks will be amplified, as dangerous surf conditions make the Upper Texas Gulf Coast particularly perilous for beach-goers. As the Storm Prediction Center's Day 2 Convective Outlook explains, "a moist and unstable air mass will exist ahead of the front," with damaging wind gusts and possible hail from emerging storms. The most favorable low-level shear for tornadoes will mainly affect northern MN/WI, it states.

Houston residents are urged to stay informed and make preparations for flooding, especially if living in flood-prone areas. Having multiple ways to receive weather alerts throughout the week is crucial to stay current with the developing weather situation. The combined factors of an already wet spring, coupled with the incoming tropical moisture, set the stage for a week of significant and multi-layered weather hazards.