Houston started Saturday, March 7, under a muggy blanket of low clouds, with early morning temperatures hovering near 73°F. The headline for the day is a window for thunderstorms this afternoon and tonight, with the greatest risk for heavy downpours and gusty winds along the coast and in low-lying parts of town.
Afternoon Storms And Gusty Winds
Forecasters are calling for a chance of showers and thunderstorms between noon and 3 p.m., with showers and storms becoming likely from about 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 7. The high should top out near 83°F. South winds will run around 10 mph, with gusts at times up to about 25 to 30 mph, making it feel extra sticky and capable of tossing around any lightweight outdoor gear you forgot to tie down.
Saturday Night Flooding Risk
The frontal boundary is expected to slow or stall near the coast late Saturday into the overnight hours. That setup raises the odds for training storms and heavy rainfall late Saturday night into the pre-dawn hours of Sunday, March 8. According to NWS Houston/Galveston, widespread rainfall totals of 0.5 to 1.5 inches are possible, with isolated amounts over 4 inches where storms repeatedly pass through. Brief bursts of 2 to 3 inches of rain per hour could quickly lead to street flooding and localized river rises.
Coastal Fog And Marine Concerns
Sea fog will remain hit-or-miss near southern Galveston Bay and adjacent Gulf waters, and small boats should be ready for reduced visibility along with 3 to 5 foot seas. Showers and storms may briefly knock back fog development, but mariners and ferry riders should still check the latest marine forecast before heading out.
Plan Ahead
Build in extra travel time this afternoon and avoid driving through standing water. Turn around, don’t drown. If you are headed to area beaches or planning Spring Break outings, keep an indoor backup ready and monitor local updates from the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for road and shelter information: Harris County OEM.
