Fall weather is finally pushing south across Texas today, and it’s arriving with thunderstorms. A cold front moving through the state will bring showers, storms, and some rowdier weather into tonight.
Severe Weather Risk Today
The Storm Prediction Center highlights a level 1 out of 5 risk for severe storms across Central, South Central, Southeast, and East Texas. This includes the Brazos Valley, Golden Triangle, Edwards Plateau, and the Coastal Bend. A few storms could produce hail up to the size of golf balls, damaging winds over 65 mph, heavy rainfall, and frequent lightning. The tornado risk is very low, but not completely zero.
Flash Flooding Potential
Some storms will be heavy rain makers, especially across Southeast Texas, the Coastal Plains, and the Rio Grande Valley. Localized flash flooding is possible tonight with a few spots picking up more than three inches of rainfall in a short time. Most areas will see less, but even one slow-moving storm can trigger flooding.
Cooler Air Arrives
Behind the cold front, drier and cooler air will spread south tonight into Thursday. Highs north of the front will dip into the 70s and 80s, while southern parts of the state hold onto 90s and even a few triple digits for one more day. By Friday and the weekend, most Texans will enjoy lower humidity and more comfortable afternoons.
Tropics Stay Active — but Not for Texas
The Atlantic remains busy, but none of the systems pose a threat to Texas or the Gulf of Mexico. Major Hurricane Gabrielle is moving away into the open Atlantic. Two additional systems could become tropical storms or hurricanes in the coming week, but they will remain focused on the far eastern Atlantic.
Looking Ahead
Rain chances taper off for most of Texas after Thursday, with storm chances hanging on mainly in Far West Texas. The weekend looks drier and warm, but not excessively hot, with highs in the 80s to low 90s.
Stay Weather Aware
We’ll be tracking today’s storms closely. You can keep up with the latest radar and forecasts using our free mobile app or on the Texas Storm Chasers website.