Houston Weather Forecast: Isolated Severe Storms and Humid Conditions for Sunday, April 12
Southeast Texas is currently settling into a warm, humid pattern that’s expected to persist throughout the week. Even as much of the region will experience scattered showers today, Sunday, April 12, 2026, brings a heightened risk of isolated strong to severe storms, particularly for areas north of Houston.
Severe Weather Risks and Regional Breakdown
The weather threat is not uniform across Southeast Texas. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Houston/Galveston, there is a Slight Risk (level 2 of 4) of severe weather for the Brazos Valley and Piney Woods regions. Most of the rest of Southeast Texas remains under a Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5).
High-Risk Areas
The primary storm threat is concentrated north of Houston and I-10. Specifically, the area from College Station east to Lake Livingston is most likely to see severe activity. The NWS has also designated a Slight Risk of excessive rainfall for portions of the Brazos Valley and Piney Woods, with a Marginal Risk extending toward US-59.
Houston and Harris County Outlook
Residents within Houston and Harris County are less likely to encounter severe weather today. While ABC13 weather reports that severe weather isn’t expected directly in the city, scattered showers and a few isolated storms are possible later in the day.
Potential Impacts and Threats
Those in the path of these storms should remain weather-aware. The primary threats identified by meteorologists include:
- Damaging Winds and Hail: Strong wind gusts and small hail are the most likely severe threats.
- Heavy Rainfall: Locally heavy rain may lead to ponding on roadways and minor street flooding.
- Lightning: All developing storms will likely produce lightning.
- Isolated Tornadoes: While unlikely, the NWS notes that an isolated tornado cannot be completely ruled out.
Coastal Warning: High Rip Current Risk
Beyond the storm threat, there is a High Risk of rip currents through Sunday evening. The NWS warns that numerous, strong and life-threatening rip currents are present at Gulf-facing beaches. Swimmers are advised to avoid swimming against the current and to swim parallel to the shoreline if caught.
Temperature and Extended Forecast
The region is currently experiencing a warm, humid stretch that will stick around for the next several days.
Short-Term Outlook
- Sunday, April 12: Highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s. Rain chances range from 20-80% during the day and 20-50% at night. Lows will be in the 60s to lower 70s.
- Monday, April 13: Highs in the upper 70s to mid 80s with scattered or isolated showers and storms (20-40% chance). Overnight lows will be in the upper 60s to lower 70s.
Weekly Trend
Southeast Texas will remain in this humid pattern all week as storm systems pass to the north. This setup typically results in humid mornings, warm afternoons, and a daily chance for a few showers or an isolated storm.
Key Takeaways for Sunday, April 12
- Severe Risk: Slight Risk for Brazos Valley and Piney Woods. Marginal Risk for most other SE Texas areas.
- Main Threats: Strong winds, small hail, and heavy rain.
- Houston Status: No severe weather expected in Harris County, but scattered showers are likely.
- Beach Safety: High risk of life-threatening rip currents at Gulf beaches.
- Trend: Warm and humid conditions will persist through next week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a tornado watch for Houston today?
While an isolated tornado cannot be completely ruled out for the broader Southeast Texas region, the main severe threats are wind and hail, and severe weather is not currently expected within Houston or Harris County.
When is the main window for storms today?
Storms developed in central Texas overnight and tracked east this morning. The primary window for storm activity on Sunday is from mid-morning through the early afternoon.
Will it rain all week?
Not necessarily, but the region is in a pattern that allows for a daily chance of a few showers or a storm throughout the coming week.