Houston is under a serious storm threat Thursday, May 21 — showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the day with a 90% chance of rain, a high near 80°F, and a Flood Watch in effect for coastal counties through Monday morning. If you live near the bayous, this is a day to stay plugged in to local alerts.
Today’s Setup
The National Weather Service is tracking a 90% rain chance with southeast winds around 5 mph keeping humidity thick. Rainfall could total a half to three-quarters of an inch today alone. The Weather Prediction Center has placed the Upper Texas Coast under a Slight Risk for excessive rainfall — flash flooding is a real concern near Buffalo Bayou, Brays Bayou, and low-lying neighborhoods like Meyerland. Harvey-era muscle memory applies here: don’t wait for a warning to act.
Best Window To Be Outside
There isn’t a great one today. If you have outdoor chores or errands, try to wrap them up before 9 AM CT. Storm activity is expected to build through the late morning and afternoon. Browse outdoor gear deals from the couch instead — better to stay dry.
Flash Flood and Storm Risk
This is a multi-day pattern, not a one-day washout. Friday brings a 60% storm chance and a high near 85°F, with the Flood Watch running through Monday morning. Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected through Memorial Day weekend, and the National Weather Service warns some may be strong with locally heavy rainfall. Know your bayou-proximity escape routes. Never drive through flooded roadways — it’s not worth it.
Weekend Concerts at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Three events are booked in The Woodlands this weekend — all squarely in the storm zone:
- Friday, May 22: Pitbull brings his I’m Back tour with special guest Lil Jon. With a 60% storm chance Friday night, tuck your Pitbull t-shirt and Pitbull hat into a waterproof bag until showtime. Get tickets on SeatGeek and watch for venue weather updates.
- Saturday, May 23: The MGK: Lost Americana Tour hits the same stage — storms still likely. Bring an mgk t-shirt but pack rain gear. Tickets available on SeatGeek.
- Sunday, May 24: Boni’s Dance – Boni’s Journey Through Time closes out the weekend. More storm chances remain through Sunday.
What To Wear and Tonight’s Dinner
Quick-dry fabrics are your best friend this week. Heavy rain stirs up mold spores even as it knocks down pollen, so Claritin non-drowsy allergy is worth keeping on hand. For dinner, load a programmable slow cooker with beef stew or chili before lunch and let it work all day. If you prefer stovetop, an enameled cast iron Dutch oven makes a perfect big pot of soup on a rainy evening. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
The Houston weather forecast shows no real relief until next week. Multiple storm rounds are expected every day through Memorial Day, with locally heavy rainfall possible at any time. Keep tabs on National Weather Service updates, stay flexible with any outdoor plans, and keep an eye on that Flood Watch. Stay safe out there, Houston.
