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!
