Pouring Thunderstorms, Flooding Predicted for Texas

For more than a week, Texas cities like Dallas and Austin have been experiencing temperatures around 90°F.

The temperature rise has been felt throughout the region, and in some parts, the hot streak has become even longer.

Some residents who have been longing for relief from the heat are looking forward to a change in weather patterns.

However, the new forecast for the week predicts several thunderstorms and possible flooding.

In addition to the heat, the ongoing drought in the south-central United States is worsening the situation in drought-stricken areas.

In May, less than 2 inches of rain has fallen in areas across Texas, such as cities from Dallas to Houston and San Antonio.

Cities, such as Austin and Lubbock, have been even drier with less than half an inch of rain this month.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, these are the extreme and exceptional levels.

According to a forecast, the jet stream will move south across the center of the country later this week, bringing cooler conditions to the region.

In addition, temperatures during the first half of the new week will likely drop below normal and be in the 70°F range, in contrast to previous highs that reached 80°F to 90°F early in the weekend.

The change in weather patterns will also give way to wet weather.

Forecasts for the Week

Alex DaSilva, a meteorologist from AccuWeather, reported that several storms will approach the Southern Plains every week.

DaSilva added that this will be the case with showers and thunderstorms from Texas to Missouri Monday through Wednesday.

Experts said the confluence of hot, steamy air before the storm and cooler conditions afterward will help prepare the atmosphere for severe thunderstorms on Monday.

Intense rain, hail, and thunderstorms are possible late Monday in areas including eastern New Mexico, the western half of Oklahoma, and western and central Texas to the Mexico border.

Forecasts also noted that gusty winds are expected during severe thunderstorms.

Furthermore, DaSilva explained that due to the dry ground, the winds could pick up just before the rain begins. This will reduce visibility and make driving in the region dangerous.

The meteorologist added that the rain could be a relief for people west of Dallas and San Antonio, as the areas continue to suffer from extreme and exceptional drought.

Too Much Rain After the Drought

DaSilva also warned that if too much rain fell on the dry soil, it would not be able to keep up.

She explained that rainwater could potentially run over the ground instead of being absorbed. This would lead to flooding.

Areas at risk of flooding later this week include areas extending east to the Mississippi Valley.

Several storms are also expected to follow the same path across the southern Plains.

AccuWeather meteorologists warned that flooding could occur if the recent dry spell is followed by several days of rain. This includes areas like Waco - Texas, Tulsa - Oklahoma, Springfield, and Kansas City - Missouri.

DaSilva also pointed out that rainfall totals of up to four to eight inches are possible in those areas.

The meteorologist explained that moisture is not only being brought up from the storm, but also the Gulf of Mexico.

Early indications are that communities from Dallas and Houston to Shreveport, Louisiana, and Little Rock, Arkansas, could experience the heaviest rainfall.

Nicole LoBiondo, another AccuWeather meteorologist, reported that severe storms are expected to move east on Tuesday and Wednesday.

This includes the risk of flooding, downpours, hail, damaging wind gusts, and even isolated tornadoes.

LoBiondo added that the threat of severe thunderstorms will move from eastern portions of the Lone Star State through Louisiana and into western Mississippi by Wednesday evening.

The meteorologist explained that the weather pattern will likely change again by the end of the week.

This will allow for drenched areas to dry out before Memorial Day weekend. This should also allow any remaining rainwater to be absorbed by the ground and eventually relieve some of the drought.