A wetter and stormier weather pattern is expected to develop across much of Texas beginning midweek and continuing into the Memorial Day weekend.

The main concerns include heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and the potential for some severe thunderstorms. Forecast rainfall totals over the next seven days show widespread rain across the state, with much of the heaviest activity expected from Wednesday through Saturday.

A slow moving weather system over the Southwest United States is expected to help pull moisture into Texas from both the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific. At the same time, a slow moving front is expected to move into the region later this week. This setup is common for mid-to-late May in Texas and can support repeated rounds of storms.

While some rain or storms may develop Monday and Tuesday, the greater concern begins late Tuesday and continues through the end of the week. Storms may not be constant the entire time. Instead, residents should expect periods of stormy weather followed by breaks.

The biggest flood concern will be repeated rounds of rain over the same areas. If storms slow down or move repeatedly over one location, rainfall totals could rise quickly and lead to street flooding, flash flooding and rises along bayous, creeks, and rivers.

Widespread rainfall totals of 2 to 5 inches are possible from Wednesday through Sunday, with isolated higher amounts in areas that see slower moving storms or repeated rounds of heavy rain. At first, the ground may be able to absorb some of the rainfall. However, the flood risk could increase later in the week if rain continues over several days.

The wet pattern may continue into next week if the larger weather system remains in place and keeps pulling Gulf moisture into the region.

Residents should stay weather aware this week, especially from Wednesday through the Memorial Day weekend. Monitor local forecasts, use the Harris County Flood Warning System to track rainfall and channel conditions near you, and avoid driving through flooded roads.