Houston is preparing for thunderstorms and strong winds this weekend as a storm system moves into the region. Scattered showers and a severe weather threat are expected northeast of Houston. Winds may exceed 20 miles per hour.
The storms are tied to a cold front entering southeast Texas. Areas likely to be hit include Spring, The Woodlands, Conroe, Huntsville, Livingston, and Liberty.
The region remains dry despite the rain forecast. Burn bans are in place across most counties. Officials warn that winds and warm temperatures could fuel fires on Sunday.
Light rain may reach coastal areas in the morning. By 2 p.m., thunderstorms may form inland ahead of the front. After 5 p.m., storms with lightning and heavy rain are possible northeast of Houston.
By 9 p.m., the cold front is expected to push a line of storms from northwest to southeast. Huntsville, Conroe, Brenham, and Tomball are expected to see storms first. The line may reach Houston around 11 p.m. with lightning, rain, and strong winds.
The front is expected to exit the coast by 2 a.m. Sunday. Temperatures are not expected to fall much, but storms may wake residents early. The rest of Sunday is expected to be dry.
Officials note the timing could shift as conditions evolve.
Fire risk remains despite increased humidity and rain chances. Burn bans cover most southeast Texas counties and could expand if the dry pattern continues.
More cold fronts are expected over the next ten days. Saturday’s front may reduce humidity. Another front early next week may shift winds. A later front could lower daytime highs into the mid-80s. Monday morning may be the coolest in the near term.