Light rain and muggy air are sliding over Houston this morning, with temperatures hovering near 65°F and an easterly breeze around 5 to 10 mph. Showers and thunderstorms are set to ramp up during the morning commute and hang around through much of the day, with some heavier downpours mixed in. Highs will top out near 70°F today, and another round of stormy weather is on deck for Wednesday.
Storms And Flooding Risk
Forecasts call for showers and thunderstorms to become widespread Tuesday, with a solid shot at 1 to 2 inches of rain across most of the metro and locally higher totals where storms stall. Those slow movers could drop brief but intense downpours that quickly pond water on city streets and overwhelm poorly drained spots, raising the risk of flash or urban flooding in low-lying neighborhoods. Weather officials also expect easterly winds gusting near 20 mph that can help boost rainfall rates, according to the NWS Houston/Galveston.
Morning Commute And Local Impacts
Rain looks to be at its pushiest through the morning commute, with showers and storms most likely from mid to late morning. Drivers can expect reduced visibility and slick pavement on the freeways and major routes. Leave early if you can, ease off the gas on wet roads, and avoid low-water crossings; do not drive through flooded lanes. For background on the setup and where storms have already produced flooding this month, see where storms have already flooded streets.
Boats, Beaches And Bayous
Heading to the coast or out on the water will not be a totally carefree outing either. Beachgoers and boaters should brace for choppy seas and an elevated rip-current risk through midweek, and small craft should use extra caution on the bays and nearshore Gulf waters. If you need real-time water levels and gauge readings for local bayous and creeks, the Harris County Flood Control District's rain-event page offers live tools to track conditions (Harris County Flood Control District). Keep an eye on local marine and beach advisories before heading out.
Quick Tips
Shift outdoor plans inside if storms roll in, secure lightweight yard items before they blow around, and keep an umbrella handy for those heavier bursts of rain. If you run into standing water on the road, turn around. It is the safest choice. And if you absolutely have to travel, check local traffic updates so you are not surprised by flooded or closed routes.
