Houston Forecast: Storm Chances Rise as Air Quality Alert Remains in Effect

Houston Weather Outlook

An Ozone Action Day has been issued for Harris, Brazoria, and Galveston counties, meaning air quality may reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups. Children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions should consider limiting outdoor activity during the afternoon.

At the same time, scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop across Southeast Texas, triggered by a weak frontal boundary sliding into the region. While rainfall totals are expected to average between ¼ inch and ½ inch, some localized heavier downpours could occur.

Timing and Duration

• Morning: A few isolated showers and rumbles of thunder are possible.
• Afternoon (1–5 p.m.): The most active period for thunderstorms, which could disrupt carpool pickup and evening commutes.
• Evening (after 6:30 p.m.): Showers gradually diminish.
• Overnight into Thursday morning: A few lingering showers remain possible.
• Friday & Saturday: Rain chances increase, with heavier downpours likely.

Geographic Impact

Early activity was noted near the Brazoria–Matagorda County line, with streamer showers forming before sunrise.

• Houston metro: Stronger storms are expected during the afternoon hours.
• South of I-10: Early showers are possible Wednesday morning, followed by another round of storms later in the day.

What Residents Should Know

• Keep an umbrella close by, especially for afternoon errands, school pickup, or the drive home.
• Sensitive groups should limit time outdoors due to poor air quality.
• Expect wet roads and slower traffic where heavier downpours occur.
• Looking ahead, Friday appears to be the wettest day of the holiday weekend, but skies are expected to turn drier by Labor Day Monday.

Tropics Update

In the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Fernand (pronounced fair-nahn) continues moving northeastward into open waters. The system poses no threat to land and is expected to weaken and dissipate later this week.

Counties Covered in the Forecast

This forecast applies to Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, Galveston, Liberty, Walker, Waller, Polk, Chambers, Wharton, Washington, Matagorda, Grimes, Austin, Colorado, and Trinity counties, including cities such as Houston, Pasadena, Conroe, Pearland, Galveston, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Baytown, Angleton, and Huntsville.