Justin Ballard is a meteorologist from the Houston Chronicle. He discusses the upcoming weather for Southeast Texas. He focuses on heavy rain expected from Tuesday to Thursday.
Timing of Heavy Rain
- Tuesday Night to Wednesday: Peak period for heavy rainfall, posing flood risks across Southeast Texas.
Affected Areas
- Extent of Rainfall: Likely to impact areas along and south of I-10, reaching as far west as San Antonio and Austin.
- Comparison to Previous Forecasts: Recent updates indicate a shift in heaviest rainfall projection from coastal regions to the inland areas of Houston, San Antonio, and Austin.
Impact and Concerns
Primary Concerns
- Rainfall Accumulation: Anticipated levels of 5 to 10 inches.
- Wind: Minor concern, with gusts up to 30-40 mph primarily along the immediate coast.
Hurricane Season Outlook
Long-term Forecast
- Expectations: Despite a slow start, forecasts suggest an active hurricane season.
- Projected Storms: Estimates range from 20 to 25 storms by Colorado State University and align with NOAA’s outlook.
- Factors Influencing Activity: La Niña conditions favor reduced wind shear, potentially intensifying tropical systems.
Intensity and Conditions
- Impact of La Niña: Decreased wind shear coupled with warm sea temperatures conducive to storm development.
- Intensity Outlook: Patterns suggest potential for stronger and more intense tropical systems.
This way of doing things gives clear insights into the upcoming weather for Southeast Texas. It also shows the broader implications for the hurricane season. Justin Ballard detailed this in his interview with Texas Standard.