In brief: Additional rain is likely over the coming days, including a round of widespread moderate to heavy rain this morning, after some parts of the area saw as much as 2 to 3 inches yesterday. The most widespread activity will probably occur next week. Also today, we discuss the mosquito misery in the wake of Hurricane Beryl.
We had some gnarly thunderstorms in some parts of the area on Wednesday afternoon. I just happened to be driving from Pearland back to Houston as the storm over the southwest side of the city exploded.
While the power outages were not prolific, it certainly caused street flooding. The three bullseyes yesterday were on the Fort Bend/Brazoria County line, in the Bellaire/West U area, and just south of the Ship Channel in Pasadena and Deer Park. This is what can happen on days like this, so just be prepared if storms strike that they could produce quick street flooding in addition to prolific lightning and some hail.
Today
A line of heavy, but non-severe storms is moving into the northern fringes of our area this morning. Expect this to push southward through mid-morning, which will disrupt your morning commute. Give yourself a couple extra minutes this morning to deal with this.
Rain rates are generally around or below an inch an hour, winds are around 30 to 35 mph or so as it moves in, and lightning will accompany the storms. Some of this could weaken as it drops into Houston proper. But there is some pretty healthy activity on the western side of this cluster, particularly heading into Waller County and perhaps back toward Sealy and Columbus. Additional storms could fire with daytime heating after that for the afternoon but those will be a bit trickier to pinpoint. Once everything moves through, we should be able to sneak back into the low-90s for highs.
Friday through Sunday
Much like yesterday, all three days will feature at least isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms each morning into afternoon. Some folks will see downpours capable of producing a quick 1 to 3 inches of rain and street flooding, while others will see little. Most places should get at least some rain at some point between tomorrow and Sunday though. Look for highs around 90 or so all three days.
Monday through Wednesday
A slightly more vigorous upper level weather pattern arrives next week, and with a cold front in name only sitting near us, it should all act together to produce numerous showers and thunderstorms across the region. Rain could be locally heavy and storms could be locally strong. Again, we are not currently highlighted for any severe weather risks, but as is often the case in summer, we could see a “pulse” of strong to locally severe storms each afternoon somewhere in the area. Usually in those cases, storms become severe and drop back below severe limits all within an hour or so.
Today it appears that through next Thursday morning, most folks will see 2 to 5 inches of additional rain. Clearly after some places saw 1 to 3 inches in an hour yesterday, it’s plausible that someone will see more than 4 or 5 inches more through next week. But it’s impossible to pinpoint who and when. So for now, assume your lawns will receive a healthy watering, and you’ll have to dodge hefty downpours at times.
Mosquito madness
Speaking of that. A number of you have commented regarding the plague of mosquitoes we have seen that started about a week after Beryl hit. I can confirm myself that these are not your typical mosquitoes; these suckers are the size of Volkswagens and mean business. I had my assumptions, but I reached out to the Harris County Public Health Department to inquire how Beryl played a role. Dr. Max Vigilant, Director of the Mosquito & Vector Control Division gave me some answers. Here were my questions and Dr. Vigilant’s complete answers.
Q: Is it our imagination, or have we seen an uptick in mosquitoes in the wake of Hurricane Beryl?
A: Yes, there was an increase in the number of “floodwater mosquitoes” after Beryl. These mosquitoes lay their eggs in soil, mud, grass, wooded areas, etc. Their eggs can stay dry. Once impacted by water, they will hatch. These mosquitoes prey on heavy rains, floods, and weather events.
Q: Why do you think we started noticing it about 6 days after the storm?
A: We noticed it several days after the storm because that is when they start hatching. As I mentioned, the eggs can withstand drying for a long time. As soon as water touches them, they hatch. Within 5 to 7 days, they will become adults. A typical cycle can take up to 10 days.
Q: Do we expect this to level off?
A: Yes, it will be just like it did after the Derecho event in May. As temperatures rise and sunshine is present, many water bodies will dry up. This will reduce the number of floodwater mosquitoes as their habitat will dry off. We must remember that they will lay eggs in the moist areas and await the next rain event.
Q: What can people do to try to make their properties less hospitable to them?
A: People must clean up their surroundings and remember to “Tip, Toss, Take Action.”
- Tip over open containers that hold water, especially after the rain.
- Toss out those water-collecting containers they don’t need or don’t use.
- Take Action by protecting yourself from mosquito bites. (Use an EPA-approved insect repellant, wear long sleeves and long pants when working outdoors, and clear out drains.)
Now that residents are cleaning up, they should store the debris, old fencing, etc., where they cannot collect or hinder water flow.
Thanks to Dr. Vigilant and Harris County Public Health for answering this for us! As a note: With a rainy pattern continuing over the next week, do as much as you can with respect to tipping and tossing above!
Heheh.. Toby, the mosquito.
I much prefer the hotter summer we had last year compared to this wet-nasty-humid-derecho-hurricane-mosquito mix of misery that we’ve got going on this summer. So glad I’m moving soon. Every day that passes is one day closer.
And boo to this next week of rain. Gross. Living here is so awful.
Houston IS becoming an intolerable Dagobah. He’s got us on that one.
I love Houston, grew up here and moved back a few years ago to be close to family and other community, AND I agree with this take. At this point, I don’t know how sustainable living here will be long-term (and I realize that is a deeply privileged take) for physical safety, mental health, etc. for myself and my family.
For me, it’s not the weather, it’s the lack of planning and infrastructure to handle it.
Man, I see your comments every day on here. I’m happy you have a place to congregate but you ought to look into some counseling. Imagine coming to a website to moan like this. It’s bizarre to say the least. Nothing wrong with admitting that you have some issues that need someone to help with. We have all had those times in our lives.
Once you leave don’t check in to this site, there is no whining allowed from afar.
If there’s anything we can do to accelerate your move, let us know!
Wet summers are not only better than last summer, they are actually wonderful.
I have noticed several roadside ditches that are full and clearly stagnant. Who can we report that to? They are perfect breeding grounds for these massive mosquitos.
One question. How are we to replenish groundwater and aquifers if we get rid of all standing water?
On the bright side, it seems that the mosquito life cycle is 10 days so I think we can wait them out.
Meanwhile, we can enjoy lower high temps for the duration. Don’t worry: you won’t freeze since we have all of August’s heat waiting in the wings.
I can attest to both size and veracity of mosquitoes. I am slowly healing from a quarter size swelling that ultimately forced me to take a Benadryl it was so bad. I am nursing 3 more from yesterday alone.
I don’t know about others, but with power out more than a week, I had to go mosquito hunting in my house since we had doors and windows open during the outage. I’m beginning to think I missed some though.
I could use some advice: City of Houston dug a trench along my yard after Harvey (I asked them to blow out the culvert under my driveway 🤦♀️) and now I have 3 property lengths of standing water 24/7….a mosquito breeding ground. I have tried multiple times to get this resolved as there’s no drainage but here we are 7 years later and nothing has been done. Now, I doubt anyone can help light a fire under COH, but what can be done about mosquitoes? We do have sprayers that come through, but that doesn’t help under these conditions.
Thoughts anyone?
Ari, look for a product called “Mosquito Dunks” it’s a bacteria that is harmless to most bugs/animals, but kills mosquito larvae. You can throw a couple in your stagnant puddle, and it’ll turn it from a mosquito factory, to a mosquito killing puddle.
Spray Bifen as soon as you see mosquitoes. Spray in areas you stir them up, dont waste time and money doing a large broadcast. You can find Bifen at most feed stores, but not the big box stores. It is safe around pets and children.
Mosquito Dunks are a good option, but they can be annoying because you have to remember to replace them monthly. If the trench holds water year-round, you can look for some Gambusia, or “Mosquito Fish” to stock the trench with. They will live there, eating any mosquito larvae. The only risk is if the trench floods badly regularly. Then they might get washed out, and you would have to replace them.
https://a.co/d/38nDnPZ
Allow me to introduce you to your new best friend: the electric flyswatter. Zapping mosquitos inside the house has never been more satisfying! The thrill of the electric sizzle as they’re zapped brings great satisfaction.
We have 2! The thrill of the zap/sizzle is exhilarating. Hub has used them on red wasps too. Takes several zaps, but does the trick.
Also, for inside the house, Dynatrap is your best friend. I had put mine away last year and forgot about it for a while. We had a problem with mosquitoes in our townhome earlier this year, and I finally remembered it. Put it in the study area outside our master bedroom, and within two or three days, not a single ‘eeeeee’ to keep us up at night. It’s a plugin, and you just keep it running full time.
Supposedly the larger versions work really well outdoors, too, but I haven’t had a need to use one in a townhome with no yard, so can’t speak to that.
Aaaand our powers out again. Adam is right this place is a hell hole
GM. These skeeters are hanging out waiting for us in the grass. Went to cut the grass last night and I got swarmed!!
Can I just say that I’m surprised nobody has mentioned Houston apparently needs a superhero to handle our mosquito problem? If “Dr. Max Vigilant” isn’t a 1950’s comic book superhero name, I’ve never heard one.
When I was reading, I thought, “there is no way that is his real last name”. But what a last name to live up to!
I am just so delighted about our hometown mosquito hero.
Nice cold rain…
We retired up to Lake Sam Rayburn and usually go out on the lake to watch the sunset. Last night was scary. A storm formed up over us in minutes. We flew in with lightening striking all around us.
TLDR; The mosquito problem, like everything else in Houston/Texas, is OUR responsibility and we should not expect our elected politicians, bureaucratic officials, or tax dollars to be used for the purposes of alleviating our daily woes, let alone improving our lives.
Nope. Its a both/and thing, like everything is.
On the other hand, maybe this is not really a problem we can solve. Unlike the power outages.
I’m starting to numb out faster now.
Like Ferris Bueler at the end of the movie: You’re still here?, it’s over, shoo, go.
Only it’s about the Transplants trying to survive and live here.
No it’s not. I’m a native and these weather patterns are different. It’s shaken a lot of people.
Mosquitos are just little blood sucking Gremlins. 😵💫
Thanks for everything y’all do. As a senior citizen, believe me you are both appreciated. ❤️
You should have asked if they plan on spraying; something they used to do regularly.
What a perfect name. Dr. Max Vigilant sounds like the character who would lead the public health department in the X-Men universe.
As the storm approached us here in Magnolia, it fizzled a bit and broke up. So, the rain wasn’t that bad, just a medium rain – it’s drizzling now (10:14am). I have seen a lightning strike here and there, but nothing severe.
.
Mosquitoes (?). It’s interesting. Since we moved here to our acreage property in Magnolia (from Cypress), we’ve not seen any mosquitoes. Heck, there’s even some standing water here and there near the house.
I mowed a bit yesterday (an hour?), anticipating the upcoming rains, and I never experienced one mosquito.
I forgot to mention … there is a Mosquito Festival that has been going on for over 40 years in Clute. Yep, believe it … it was postponed because of Beryl, but they are looking to reschedule. When I submit my comment, the URL (below) may be removed … if so, simply Google, “texas mosquito festival”
.
https://www.mosquitofestival.com/
Hey, thanks for your suggestion to mention in the reply box that URLs require moderation. I’ve just added that!
I went to that festival YEARS ago when I was in grade school – visiting a friend who lived out there.
It was fun from what I remember, Don’t recall many mosquitos buzzing around
I have loved your posts!…..but have moved to the Burnet,TX area NW of Austin. Is their anyone up there to explain weather to me and keep us updated for that area? I hope so!
These skeeters have bones in em! Lol!
Wait a second— his name is really Dr Max Vigilant?? That’s one of the best names of all time.
Very nice, gentle and prolonged shower in The Woodlands this morning, stopped now at noon. After the extreme heat for 3-4 days, 🙂 I could hear the grass and trees slurping up the water. 🙂
I was under impression that some of these mosquitos are transplants from the coast. They will die off fortunately. The native ones are here to stay.
I know how this sounds, but last year I saw a video from a Houston homeowner who diced bars of Irish Spring soap and sprinkled them around her garden. Said it worked to repel mosquitoes. I tried it on a couple of hot spots near the house last summer and yes, it was effective. Forgot about it until this thread. Pretty sure I’ve still got a few bars left!
I’ve actually read this a couple other places too, so what the heck? Can you advise approximate size you made for the cuts and how far apart you dropped them. Thanks!
Please use Mosquito Dunks and the granuals. It really helps.