Thunderstorm chances climb this weekend and some could turn severe

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — While today will be dry for most, storm chances are on the rise this weekend, and the stormy weather pattern will stick around for several days next week.

We will continue to bake away on Saturday with a heat ridge nearby. If the high hits our forecast of 93 it will go down as Houston’s hottest day so far in 2023. That said, there is now a 30% chance of late afternoon and early evening thunderstorms. Because of how hot the air will get ahead of the storms, they will have plenty of fuel to trigger gusty downburst winds that could exceed 60 mph. Quarter-size hail, frequent lightning, and a quick inch or two of rain are also possible.

If you have outdoor plans late Saturday, keep close tabs on the weather with us in case you need to run for cover.

Another Ozone Pollution Watch is in effect for Saturday afternoon.

What can we expect Sunday?

Sunday the weather pattern turns even stormier. An upper-level low will set up shop over central Texas, spinning thunderstorms our way during the afternoon and evening. One or two of those storms could even turn severe with gusty downburst winds over 60 mph, quarter-size hail, frequent lightning, and a quick inch or two of rain that could flood some streets.

How long will this rainy weather pattern stick around?

We are keeping rain chances at 60-70% Sunday through Tuesday as the low stays parked to our west. By Wednesday it begins to push eastward, so rain chances should slide down to 20% by Friday.

Now that it’s hurricane season, is anything happening in the tropics?

Yes! Tropical Storm Arlene is spinning over the eastern Gulf. You can get more info about Arlene and what else is happening in the tropics by visiting our daily Tropical Update page.