Heavy rain and storms are set to hit Houston and Harris County on Wednesday afternoon.
HOUSTON — After a stormy Tuesday evening that brought isolated flooding and lightning across Southeast Texas, more rain and storms returned on Wednesday, with widespread impacts likely during the afternoon commute.
Urgency & threat level
There is no formal SPC severe risk in place, but the risk of localized street flooding is high this afternoon due to slow-moving tropical downpours.
- Heavy rain (1–3 inches possible)
- Lightning
- Isolated high water spots during rush hour
A Weather Impact Alert is in effect from noon to 5 p.m., when the risk of flooding is highest.
Timing & duration
Storms will follow a typical summer pattern but could become more widespread and intense by the afternoon:
- Morning: Mostly quiet, patchy streamer showers near the coast
- Noon–5 p.m.: Primary impact window — strongest downpours, localized flooding, potential slowdowns during rush hour
- After 6 p.m.: Rain begins to taper off, with a quiet night expected
Some neighborhoods could see little to no rain, while others could quickly pick up 2–3 inches, depending on storm placement.
Geographic impact
- Most at risk: Areas in and around Houston and Harris County, especially flood-prone intersections
- Early storms: May start along the Bolivar Peninsula and Galveston, where the moisture is higher this morning
- Afternoon focus: Expected to concentrate on the Houston metro area
Keep in mind: The radar pattern is highly localized, and it’s not possible to pinpoint exactly where the heaviest rain will fall.
What to do
- Set alerts on your phone before heading out this afternoon
- Avoid low-lying roads during the evening commute
- Prep early if your area is flood-prone — move vehicles, clear drains, and avoid parking under trees
Even if storms look scattered, the high moisture content means any single downpour could quickly cause trouble.
Looking ahead
Rain chances drop off Thursday and Friday as a plume of Saharan dust arrives in Texas, drying out the atmosphere:
- Thursday–Friday: 30% chance of isolated storms
- Weekend: 70% rain chance returns Saturday with another round of heavy downpours likely
- Next week: Hotter and drier as high pressure builds in
No tropical development is expected in the Gulf or Atlantic over the next 7 days.
As for the extended 7-day forecast, big changes are headed our way next week as high pressure moves in. Temps will climb, and rain chances will drop off.
For continuous live updates, watch extended weather coverage anytime on KHOU 11+.