Houston, TX – A large storm system is set to increase rain chances across southeast Texas tonight into early Friday, offering some much-needed moisture to a region experiencing widespread drought. The National Weather Service Houston–Galveston office says the best opportunity for locally heavy rain will occur north and west of the Houston metro, especially near and north of I-10.
A weakening cold front will move into the region late Thursday, bringing showers and a few thunderstorms. Forecasters say rainfall will be “manageable, even welcome” for most, but an isolated strong storm with locally heavy rainfall cannot be ruled out. A Marginal Risk (level 1 of 4) of excessive rainfall covers northern counties, where brief minor flooding could occur in vulnerable spots if the heaviest rates develop.
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, issued Nov. 20, drought conditions remain widespread across the region. Large portions of the west and southwest counties are experiencing D2 (Severe Drought), with a pocket of D3 (Extreme Drought) near the western counties. Overall, nearly 90% of the Houston/Galveston forecast area is under at least moderate drought.
Rainfall tonight into Friday morning may deliver 1 to 2 inches, with isolated higher totals possible north of the metro. Scattered showers and a few storms may continue into the weekend but will be lighter and more intermittent.
Residents planning to travel late tonight or early Friday should remain weather-aware as pockets of heavy rain could develop quickly along the weakening front.
