As of 5:35 a.m. CDT on Thursday, April 30, 2026, Houston is starting the day warm, muggy, and partly cloudy, with temperatures hovering around 75°F and dew points near 72°F. Winds are light, so the humidity will feel thick, and any early downpours that pop up are likely to be brief but intense.
Afternoon Showers And Thunderstorms
Shower and thunderstorm chances ramp up after 11 a.m. Thursday, April 30, as highs climb toward 82°F before gradually slipping back into the upper 70s late in the day. Storms are more likely to develop north of the I-10 corridor, while coastal areas see lower odds. Any isolated storms that do form could throw down small hail or produce gusty winds. Expect scattered slick spots on the roads and the potential for some slowdowns during the midday and afternoon commutes.
Strong Front Brings Heavier Rain Friday Into Friday Night
A stronger late-season cold front arrives Friday, May 1, and that is when things turn more active. Periods of heavy rain and numerous thunderstorms are expected Friday and Friday night. According to NWS Houston/Galveston, pockets of moderate to heavy rainfall are possible, with roughly a quarter to a half inch in some locations, while northeast winds pick up with gusts near 25 mph. Behind the front, temperatures drop sharply, with highs only in the mid-60s on Friday and cooler, breezy weather hanging on into the weekend.
Coastal Waters And Travel Impacts
Boaters and coastal travelers should brace for rougher conditions from Friday night into Saturday, as seas build to around 6 to 12 feet and gale-force gusts turn Gulf and bay trips into a hazardous proposition. Before heading out, check transit and service alerts, since heavy downpours and gusty winds could slow highway traffic and cause ponding in low-lying spots. For a broader look at the setup and how this fits into the recent pattern, see our earlier report on the swampy stretch as late-week storms line up.
