As Houstonians power on through another sweltering day, the city braces for potential afternoon thunderstorms and a touch of tropical uncertainty brewing in the Gulf. The National Weather Service predicts a high near 93 degrees today with a real-feel climbing to a scorching 105, while scattered storms are expected to break through the heat, particularly between 2 pm and 3 pm. Additionally, a calm wind will shift, reaching approximately 5 mph from the south in the afternoon.
In the lead-up to the weekend, tomorrow heralds a 50 percent chance of showers and possible thunderstorms after 10 am. This pattern is set to extend into next week, with a cheery "mostly sunny" tag coupled with a persistent 50 percent possibility of unwelcome downpours each day. Come nightfall, a 20 percent chance of storms before 7 pm promises a mostly clear evening, while the night temperature hovers close to an 80-degree low. Meanwhile, a special weather statement from the National Weather Service warns of the potential for new rainfall amounts to exceed a tenth of an inch during thunderstorms.
The humidity shows no signs of taking a break today either, as FOX26 Houston reports another muggy morning with temperatures once again rising into the 90s by afternoon. School is back in session, and the weather seems to be sticking to its summer script: highs in the mid to upper 90s and a solid chance for afternoon storms with risks including quick rainfall, frequent lightning, and strong winds.
Attention now turns to the southern Gulf of Mexico, where a tropical wave, referred to as Invest 98L, has made its entrance. The National Hurricane Center has currently assigned a modest 20% chance for this system to mature into a tropical depression. Though it is anticipated to remain weak, with minimal direct impacts on the Houston area, it may elevate local rain probabilities come Friday and Saturday, as well as amplify the risk of rip currents. FOX26 indicates that Houston, down to the coastal regions, should be on alert for isolated street flooding possibilities, especially on Friday.
Not all eyes are fixed on the Houston horizon, however. Far out in the central Atlantic, Tropical Storm Erin is gathering strength. It is projected to escalate into the season's first major hurricane by the weekend, although Texans can breathe a sigh of relief as the storm poses no threat to Texas. East Coast residents will have to stay vigilant as the system seems poised to swerve away from landfall. Bermuda residents, however, are advised to monitor Erin's path in the coming week.
