Lovely weather to end the work week, but heavy rain likely returns Sunday

As expected a large complex of showers and thunderstorms moved through the greater Houston area during the overnight hours, bringing 1 to 1.5 inches of rain for almost everyone.

TODAY

Showers will continue to be possible today for coastal areas and to the east of Houston, but for most areas the heavy rains have ended for good today. With mostly cloudy skies today we should see highs in the low- to mid-70s along with light northerly winds.

THURSDAY and FRIDAY

High pressure will make for great weather to end the work week, with highs near 80 degrees, morning lows in the low 60s, and partly to mostly sunny skies. This will be great weather for April.

SATURDAY

Returning moisture will allow for the possibility of showers and thunderstorms, and highs should be near 80 degrees under mostly cloudy skies. Most areas probably will not see rain.

SUNDAY through TUESDAY

As a strong upper-level low pressure system moves across Texas and the Houston region we will see medium to high rain and thunderstorm chances. It is too early to have much confidence in rainfall amounts, but I would not be surprised by cumulative totals of 3 to 5 inches of rain for parts of the Houston metro area from Sunday through Tuesday. The spring storm system will definitely have to be watched for its severe weather and heavy rain potential.

MS 150 Ride

I don’t think rain will be too disruptive on Saturday, and riders should have about a 10 mph tailwind on the roads to Austin. However Sunday looks far more concerning. Yes, I still anticipate a nice 10 to 15 mph tail wind, but there’s also the increased potential for showers and thunderstorms. I would anticipate at least one line of significant storms along the roads leading into Austin during the daytime hours on Sunday, and given the potential for rain and lightning, I wouldn’t be shocked if they canceled the second day of the ride. In any case, it will be a difficult decision for ride organizers.