A line of strong to severe thunderstorms is making its way toward Southeast Texas, with severe weather predicted to hit the Houston area between 8 and 11 p.m. on Monday evening, according to forecasts from Pivotal Weather. The storms are expected to bring damaging winds, large hail, and even the possibility of tornadoes.
As the first of two cold fronts approaches, residents can anticipate a progression of weather events throughout the day. The morning hours may start with a warm front lifting north of Houston, potentially resulting in some scattered downpours primarily south of the area and east of Interstate 45. However, any early showers are expected to be brief and shouldn’t significantly disrupt morning travel, as temperatures will hover in the middle to upper 60s, creating a warm and muggy start.
By the afternoon, Southeast Texas is likely to stay dry, allowing commuters to venture outside without an umbrella. A cold front will bring a line of thunderstorms that is anticipated to reach the Interstate 35 corridor by early afternoon, specifically between Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth. This storm system is expected to approach cities like Huntsville, College Station, and Columbus from 4 to 6 p.m.
The Storm Prediction Center has indicated a level 2 of 5 risk of severe storms for areas near and north of Interstate 10. With rising temperatures predicted to reach the mid-80s, Houston may even tie or break a record high of 84 degrees set back in 1910. The afternoon is expected to be breezy, with south winds gusting up to 30 mph.
As evening approaches, thunderstorms will likely impact areas such as Livingston, Conroe, and The Woodlands between 6 and 9 p.m., with Houston seeing the storms move in from the north as mentioned. Along the upper Texas Gulf coast, storms could arrive early Tuesday morning, likely exiting offshore by sunrise.
Severe weather possibilities on Monday are varied, with the highest chances of tornadoes occurring near and north of Houston. Storms forming between 3 and 6 p.m. in the regions from Columbus to Huntsville are most likely to develop into supercells, creating an enhanced risk for tornado formation. Additionally, large hail reaching an inch in diameter or more may accompany these storms, alongside the potential for damaging wind gusts exceeding 58 mph, particularly north of Houston into the Piney Woods region.
Looking ahead, a second cold front is expected to arrive between Tuesday night and early Wednesday, which will usher in cooler and drier air just in time for Thanksgiving celebrations. Residents can hope for a calm and pleasant holiday as the weather system stabilizes.