Houston

Swampy Start, Street Floods To Follow as Houston Braces For Monday Gully‑Washer

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Published on July 13, 2026
Swampy Start, Street Floods To Follow as Houston Braces For Monday Gully‑WasherSource: Unsplash/ Johannes Plenio

Houston rolled into Monday morning under a muggy, mostly clear sky, with temperatures already near 81°F and dewpoints stuck in the mid‑70s, making the air feel downright swampy. Scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms are on tap through Monday and into Tuesday, with the heaviest action expected from late morning into the afternoon and highs topping out near 88°F. Localized downpours could dump 1 to 3 inches of rain, with isolated bullseyes up to 5 inches, which may trigger brief urban flooding in vulnerable spots.

When The Rain Will Hit

Showers and thunderstorms become possible after 4 a.m., then grow steadily more likely heading into the late morning, midday, and early‑afternoon commute on Monday, July 13, 2026. Rain chances climb to roughly 80% during the day, and many neighborhoods can expect around a quarter to a half‑inch of new rain, while stronger storms could quickly drop much higher totals over a short period of time. For a full timing breakdown by the hour, see the NWS Houston/Galveston forecast.

Flooding Risk And Rain Totals

A stalled boundary tapping into deep tropical moisture will favor storms that repeatedly track over the same areas, a setup that ramps up the threat of flash and urban flooding. Forecast guidance keeps much of Southeast Texas in a Slight Risk for excessive rainfall, with general totals of 1 to 3 inches through Tuesday and isolated swaths picking up as much as 5 inches. The Weather Prediction Center highlights parts of the region for excessive‑rain potential, so keep an eye on local warnings and steer clear of low‑water crossings.

Commute And Coastal Impacts

When the strongest cells move through, heavy downpours will quickly slash visibility and lead to ponding on streets, so drivers should slow down and allow extra travel time during the late‑morning and afternoon storms. Along the coast, expect south to southeast winds around 10 to 15 knots with seas of 2 to 4 feet and brief visibility reductions in heavy squalls. Airlines and transit agencies may post delays during intense rain, so if you have travel planned, check with your carrier before heading to the airport.

What To Do

If you live in a low‑lying area, move vehicles off streets that tend to collect standing water, and do not drive through flooded roadways, since just a few inches of moving water can stall a car. Sign up for local alerts and keep the NWS Houston/Galveston page or your preferred weather app handy for real‑time warnings. Consider delaying outdoor plans during the heaviest storm windows and secure loose items that could be knocked around by wind and water.

We wrote about the growing flood threat earlier this week; for background see our look at how the Gulf keeps gushing. We will keep updating forecasts as conditions evolve through the week.