Good morning. It’s June 1, which for us marks the beginning of summer and the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season. The next four months are the hottest of the year—with temperatures peaking in August. However this year we’ve had a slower build into summer, with average temperatures about 1 degree cooler than normal in May. This was due, in large measure, to most of the area seeing rain most days during the second half of the month.
This cooler-but-wetter trend looks to continue into at least the first week of June. Overall, our forecast for the week ahead, including next weekend, look quite wet. The combination of a moist atmosphere, feeding off the Gulf of Mexico, and a series of slow-moving atmospheric disturbances will drive rain chances upward through the weekend, at least.
On average, much of the region will probably receive on the order of 4 to 6 inches of rainfall, with some areas receiving more. Over an entire week, this is manageable of course. What we’re more concerned about are areas receiving that much rain in a couple of hours, and causing flooding problems on roadways. Because of this potential for flooding, and our already sodden soils, we’re issuing a Stage 1 flood alert on our flood scale for the entire Houston region, and this is likely to remain in effect through at least Sunday.
Tuesday
The first opportunity for rain comes today, as a band of storms moves from west to east across the region. These storms produced very intense rains overnight in areas far west and north of the Houston metro area, but appear to be weakening as they approach our region and move through today. While most areas will get less, a few parts of Houston may see 1 to 3 inches of rain today. Highs will top out in the low- to mid-80s with the persistent cloud cover.
Wednesday
This will be another day of fairly widespread showers, with half or more of the region seeing at least some rainfall amidst clusters of showers and thunderstorms. Highs will again be moderated by clouds, topping out in the mid-80s. These two days will probably be something like appetizers for the main event later this week.
Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
The pattern will become even more favorable for heavy rainfall by around Thursday, when a slow-moving upper-level disturbance begins to directly impact our weather. With these slow moving systems we are concerned about the potential for training storms and flooding. While it’s difficult to say much about each of these individual days, there will be the potential for heavy rainfall each day, along with mostly cloudy skies. This will help to moderate temperatures of course, and we expect to remain in the low- to mid-80s through the weekend. If you have outdoor activities planned for the period ahead, please know that you should definitely have a backup plan.
Next week
When will Houston emerge from this wet mess? We don’t have a confident answer for you, but for now I think the pattern will begin to moderate about one week from today. Until that time you should keep an umbrella handy, keep an eye on the radar, and be weather aware. We’ll be here.
Temperature wise it’s been one of the nicest May’s I can remember in the Houston area. Personally I prefer the clouds, rain and slightly cooler temps over the mid 90’s and unbearable humidity that tends to be the norm this time of the year.
Gotta agree with Glenn …. as long as we stay away from the flooding.
Rain is really getting on my nerves.
Friend got me into disc golf and because of the rain, I haven’t even been able to go out and practice throwing said discs or even play my first round.
Oh well the bright side is will take slightly cooler temps/less humidity and greener grass on the lawn without having to expend the sprinkler system anyday 🙂
The rain is getting on YOUR nerves? 🤣 bahhhhahhhhhahhhaaaa…whew. oh man.
Having to hit the pause on the disc golf is brutal. Our household is totally digging all this rain. I’m starting to think that Norman Rockwell’s iconic family images MUST have been inspired by spending days, no…WEEKS on end…at the beginning of summer… in Texas… with a 3 and 4 year old. EPIC.
Any update on the space city weather app?
I get nervous about the Brazos River- neighborhoods flooded before. Please tell me this isn’t going to happen (doesn’t affect me but it does affect loved ones).
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO COME ON.
Sorry about the capslock, but come ON.
Well, glad I didn’t waste any money on new plants, although you’re welcome, as it’s my fault since I watered yesterday. 🙁
As annoying as the rain might be, at least the Gulf is venting off energy slowly … for now…
Plus, it’s giving me a sample of what life in the Pacific NW might be like.
I grew up in the PNW, while wide spread rain is the norm, it is vary rarely as intense as Texas’ rain. You get 9 months of drizzle most of the time.
Pretty rare for extended rain period this time of year—and of course, our annual beach/fishing trip begins this week…oh, well. Time for new recipes and a good book.
What happened to the high pressure coming our way?
Yes, this kind of rain is rare, but it is not uncommon to get a lot of spring rain in Houston,. April through June are often rainy, perhaps with afternoon showers building up, and scattered showers.
I think it’s because of Harvey and the Tax Day floods, but these multi-day bouts of rain are very stressful for me. The Tax Day floods caused $3000 of floor damage and caused me to spend $2000 to install drainage for my side and back yard. I have to unclog those drains religiously for them to work, but still, during heavy 2-3″/hour rains the water is too much and it seeps into the garage. During a heavy rain I stare out the windows seeing how the drains are doing, and I go out with an umbrella and check out the garage. Lots of people have it much worse, I know…
Only degree cooler in May? Been here my whole life & start to finish, it’s most temperate May I can ever recall
I don’t mind rain as long as it is a drizzle and it does not cause flood conditions. That being said most people, the City of Houston (“COH”) and some members of he news media are not aware of the “Flood the City forgot” on May 12-13, 2015 areas of south east sector of COH flooded and it was referred to as a “near miss” by one reporter. A statement that upset many residents of the Clear Lake Area (southeast sector of COH) and the family of the man who died on May 13, 2015. So remember just because it is not flooding at your house it may be flooding someplace else. That someplace else may not even be near a body of water as was the case for homes and the man who died as he drowned just off HWY 3 Old Galveston Road near FM 2351. The COH and Harris County Flood Control need to step it up and fix the drainage issues; not build a seawall but look at neighborhoods where houses flood repeatedly due to lack of proper drainage. I would love to see this Flood the City Forgot listed on the flood scale too. Flood damage from that date can be verified with FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program.
Appreciate your HYPE Free, calm, rational weather reporting. Space City Weather is the best!
Next time someone has an opportunity ask ole Mayor Turner if COH still parks the COH cars in that underground garage.