Showers and storms are expected to continue through Tuesday morning until a cold front moves through on Election Day. Strong to severe storms could develop overnight, so we’re keeping an eye on conditions with the ABC13 Weather Watch. While the overall risk of severe weather is low, it’s a good idea to have weather alerts on your smartphone overnight. The heaviest storms will impact Houston and Harris County between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m., bringing potential wind gusts over 40 mph, heavy rain, thunder, and lightning. Street flooding may affect your morning commute and early visits to the voting polls when they open at 7 a.m. By 9 a.m., the main line of storms should be near the coast, with only a few isolated showers left by noon. After the front passes, temperatures will dip from the upper 70s to the mid-60s, staying in the 60s for most of the day. With some afternoon sunshine, temperatures may briefly reach the low 70s. It’s a good idea to keep an umbrella and a light jacket handy throughout Election Day.
A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect along the Southeast Texas coast until 6 a.m. Tuesday due to stronger southeast winds, which may cause coastal, street, and area flooding, especially during high tide.
**When will temperatures cool down again?**
Another Pacific front is expected in Texas this weekend, though it may take until after the weekend to bring cooler air back to Southeast Texas.
**What are we watching in the tropics?**
Tropical Storm Rafael has formed in the southern Caribbean and is forecasted to strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane before reaching western Cuba on Wednesday. It’s then expected to move north into the Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday evening as a hurricane. While the track and strength remain uncertain, the entire Gulf Coast should monitor the storm’s progress. Hostile conditions in the Gulf could weaken Rafael, and even if it nears Texas, it would likely be downgraded to a tropical storm or depression due to wind shear. No hurricane on record has made landfall in Texas in November. For more on the tropics, check out our daily Tropical Update page.
