As we head into this holiday weekend, we pause to remember the at least 138 precious people who saw their final sunset one year ago during the Independence Day floods.
The tragedy remains woven into the history of our communities. We remember those we lost, those who stepped up to serve, and those who continue to serve as we mark one year since the Independence Day floods.
Fourth of July weekend forecast
Weather-wise, Texas is heading into a classic summer holiday weekend.
It will be hot. Most areas will be in the 90s to low 100s Saturday afternoon, with temperatures still in the 80s to low 90s around fireworks time.
Most of Texas should not have major weather problems for outdoor plans Saturday night, but there will be a few storm zones to watch.
Storm chances today and Saturday
Today, the eastern third of Texas may see isolated to scattered pop-up storms as the sea breeze moves inland.
That includes parts of:
- East Texas
- ArkLaTex
- Golden Triangle
- Southeast Texas
- Middle and Upper Texas Coast
These storms may produce brief heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds. Most activity should fade within an hour or two after sunset.
On Saturday, scattered storms may again develop across the eastern quarter of Texas, including the ArkLaTex, East Texas, Southeast Texas, and the Golden Triangle.
The Texas Panhandle and parts of West Texas may also see storms Saturday afternoon and evening. Those storms could linger for a few hours after sunset, so folks in those areas should keep an eye on the sky before and during fireworks plans.
Lightning and outflow winds
Even if storms are not directly over you, nearby storms can send out gusty wind shifts called outflow boundaries.
That matters for folks on lakes, bays, and at outdoor events. A storm several miles away can still kick up sudden gusty winds, choppy water, or blowing dust.
Lightning is also a concern with any thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck.
Fire danger and dry grass
Many areas have dried out over the last couple of weeks. Add hot temperatures, afternoon wind, and holiday activities, and it is worth being careful with anything that can spark a fire.
That includes fireworks, grills, trailer chains, outdoor equipment, and anything else that can throw sparks into dry grass.
Next week: more pop-up storms
Rain chances may increase a bit Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday as the upper-level heat dome weakens and redevelops farther west.
That could allow scattered afternoon pop-up storms to become more common across parts of Texas.
This does not look like an organized severe weather or flooding setup. It is more of a summertime pattern: storms bubble up during the afternoon, produce lightning, heavy rain, gusty winds, and then fade after sunset.
Some spots may get a quick half inch to two inches of rain under a heavier storm. Most folks will not see that much.
Bottom line
The Fourth of July weekend looks hot across Texas.
Most fireworks plans should be okay, but scattered storms may affect East Texas, Southeast Texas, the ArkLaTex, the Panhandle, and parts of West Texas.
Lightning, gusty outflow winds, heat, and dry grass are the main things to watch.
Have a safe holiday weekend, keep an eye on the sky, and do not ignore thunder.
You can get local forecasts, radar, alerts, daily Texas Weather Roundups, and more in the free Texas Storm Chasers app.