HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Our weather pattern changes in a big way Wednesday with the arrival of a messy cold front. This front will combine with abundant moisture and multiple jet stream disturbances to bring rounds of heavy rain Thursday and Friday.
Wednesday morning starts off rather balmy with high humidity and temperatures in the mid 70s under a cloudy sky. A few showers cannot be ruled out for the morning drive, but the highest chance for rain will occur from around noon to 3 p.m. as the cold front blows in a line of scattered showers and thunderstorms. One or two storms could turn severe with quarter-size hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph. Because the storms will move through pretty quickly, street flooding is unlikely. Temperatures will fall into the 60s behind the front, and you might need a jacket by the evening.
The first jet stream disturbance coming behind the front arrives late Wednesday night, boosting rain chances for the first half of Thursday. A stronger jet stream disturbance will blow in Thursday night into Friday morning to bring even heavier rains for part of Good Friday.
How much rain could fall from Wednesday to Friday?
At this time, we believe 3-6″ will be common. Some will get less than this range, and some will get more. Isolated pockets could pick up close to a foot of rain, but it’s impossible to predict exactly where that will occur. If you are traveling, the heavy rain threat extends eastward into Louisiana and southward to the Coastal Bend of Texas.
Street flooding is definitely possible. Depending on where the highest totals stack up, some creeks could come out of their banks. Bayous could experience rapid rises, but at this time it is unlikely any bayous will come out of their banks. River flooding is also unlikely due to how dry it has been over the last few months.
What’s the outlook for Easter weekend?
After Good Friday, rain chances are likely to decrease Saturday down to 30% and Sunday now looks rain-free! While the sky will likely stay dry on Sunday, the ground will likely be wet from all the rains. Keep that in mind for any Easter egg hunts. Temperatures should stay in a comfortable range both days with lows in the mid 50s to low 60s and highs in the mid to upper 70s.
