Weather
Weather news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
WeatherMission opens cooling center amid extreme heat warning
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — With a heat spike sending temperatures into the triple digits on Thursday, the city of Mission has opened a cooling center to help residents find relief. Residents are welcome to use the air-conditioned space at the Mission Parks & Recreation Building located at 721 N. Bryan Road on Thursday until 8 p.m.
WeatherExtreme heat warning issued for entire Rio Grande Valley
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Heat-stress levels will be extreme this afternoon across the Valley due to a brutal combination of hot temperatures and high humidity. The dangerous heat has prompted the National Weather Service to issue an extreme heat warning for the entire Valley, beginning at 11:00 a.m. and lasting until 8:00 p.m. today. The
WeatherFood Bank to Distribute Food in Pharr for Storm-Affected Residents
The Rio Grande Valley Food Bank will hold a special food distribution this Thursday as part of efforts to support families affected by recent storms in the region. Each family must present a valid photo ID and proof of residence. There will be a limit of two families per vehicle, and trunks must be empty to facilitate food delivery. Distribution will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the RGV Food Bank facilities located at 724 N. Cage Blvd. in Pharr. Organizers stated that the distribution will be open to residents from all cities in the Valley and families will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. They also warned that the line will start at the south entrance of the Food Bank and extend south along Cage Boulevard, so entry to the line from side streets will not be allowed.
WeatherCooling Centers in Valley Cities Due to Extreme Heat
McAllen is one of the cities in the Rio Grande Valley reminding residents of the availability of various cooling centers to help the community stay safe during intense heat days. Below are the hours and addresses of the designated spaces: McAllen Public Library, 4001 N. 23rd St., McAllen. Hours: Monday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Lark Community Center, 2601 Lark Ave., McAllen. Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Sunday: Closed. Las Palmas Community Center, 1921 N. 25th St., McAllen. Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday: Closed. Palm View Community Center, 3401 Jordan Rd., McAllen. Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Sunday: Closed. For more information on safety during extreme heat, the city invites residents to visit the online site McAllen.net. Additionally, the city of Mission is also providing the following cooling center: Parks and Recreation Building, 721 N. Bryan Road, Mission. Dates and hours: Thursday, June 18: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 19: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. The facility will be available as a climate-controlled space for anyone needing shelter from the high temperatures during operating hours. Important note for those visiting the building: It will not operate as an overnight shelter, cots will not be available, and no food service will be provided.
WeatherThursday's heat index to push 120-degree mark
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A strong subsidence pattern, where large‑scale sinking air warms as it compresses, is driving temperatures sharply upward across the Valley. This setup produces extremely hot conditions, with heat index values climbing even higher. Forecast highs for tomorrow are expected to reach the upper 90s to low 100s, but the combination of heat and humidity
WeatherHidalgo County emergency coordinator shares what to do in extreme heat
Hidalgo County's Emergency Management Coordinator, Ricardo Salana, has issued a warning as the Rio Grande Valley experiences extreme heat, with humidity making temperatures feel like they are in the triple digits. This poses risks, especially for outdoor workers in oil fields and construction. Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Salana advises immediate action: call 911 if severe symptoms occur, stay hydrated, and use cold towels to cool down. Officials recommend drinking plenty of water, seeking shade, and taking breaks, especially for those working on hot surfaces like blacktop, which can be significantly hotter than the air.
WeatherHidalgo County residents urged to fill out damage survey after rain
Hidalgo County officials are encouraging residents affected by Monday's rainfall to complete a damage survey to help the area qualify for federal assistance. The iSTAT survey, provided by the Texas Division of Emergency Management, does not offer direct financial aid but allows local officials to assess the extent of the damage. Belinda Alvarez, Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, emphasized the importance of this information for emergency management efforts. Residents can find the survey online to report their damages.
Weather'Mosquitoes are out like crazy': Weslaco, Cameron County launch spraying efforts
WESLACO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Recent rainfall across the Rio Grande Valley has created ideal conditions for mosquitoes to thrive, prompting local governments to begin spraying operations. Officials are urging residents to eliminate standing water around their homes as mosquitoes are already appearing in large numbers and could multiply rapidly as temperatures continue to rise. In
WeatherDangerous flooding from Tropical Storm Arthur, first of the Atlantic season, threatens Gulf Coast
Tropical Storm Arthur, the first of the Atlantic season, formed on June 17, 2026, threatening the Gulf Coast with flash flooding. With maximum sustained winds of 40 mph, the storm is expected to dissipate by late Wednesday or early Thursday. Flash flood warnings have been issued in the Houston metro area, where a tragic incident resulted in the drowning of a 15-year-old boy in a flooded retention pond. Rainfall totals could reach 5 to 10 inches, with some areas potentially seeing up to 20 inches. Tornadoes and dangerous surf conditions are also possible as the storm moves northeast.
WeatherEssential Insurance Tips for Hurricane Season
Hurricane season began on June 1, prompting residents to review their insurance coverage to ensure adequate protection post-storm. Key coverages to consider include wind insurance, as many Gulf Coast home policies do not cover wind and hail damage. Flood insurance is also crucial, as standard home policies typically exclude flood damage and have a 30-day waiting period. Additionally, comprehensive auto coverage can protect against various damages. Homeowners should know their deductibles, keep important contact numbers handy, check their roofs and windows, and create a home inventory. For assistance, the Texas Department of Insurance offers a help line at 800-252-3439.
WeatherThe Valley braces for its hottest 'feels-like' stretch since June 2023
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — While the system responsible for the recent rainfall and flooding has pushed north along the Texas coastline, drier conditions are anticipated for the next several days. Unfortunately, this means mugginess and dangerous/extreme heat indices. Highs this afternoon will peak in the upper 90s, but with dew points in the 70s and
WeatherThe Valley braces for its hottest 'feels-like' stretch since June 2023
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — While the system responsible for the recent rainfall and flooding has pushed north along the Texas coastline, drier conditions are anticipated for the next several days. Unfortunately, this means mugginess and dangerous/extreme heat indices. Highs this afternoon will peak in the upper 90s, but with dew points in the 70s and
WeatherSummer Readiness: Keep Your Family Safe with These Heat Tips
As summer temperatures soar above 100 degrees, the National Weather Service emphasizes the importance of heat safety. Vulnerable groups include young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions. The NWS advises checking on individuals without air conditioning. Key symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, exhaustion, and stroke, are outlined, along with first aid steps. It is crucial to avoid leaving children or pets in vehicles, as even short periods can be deadly. For more information, visit the CDC website for heat safety guidelines.
WeatherTropical Storm Arthur Forms Off the Texas Coast
Tropical Storm Arthur formed off the Texas coast on Wednesday morning, becoming the first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. According to the National Weather Service, the tropical system, which has been rotating over and near the state's coast, reached sustained winds of 40 miles per hour. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) maintains the projected path of the system near the Texas coast, with expected movement over southeastern Texas during Wednesday, although a slight shift to the north was noted. 'The system has the potential to become a short-lived tropical storm as soon as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico,' the National Weather Service stated in its 7 a.m. bulletin. However, by the 10 a.m. update, Arthur was officially designated as the first tropical storm of the season. Major impacts are expected in coastal areas. Communities under tropical storm watch could experience wind gusts between 30 and 45 mph, while other areas in southeastern Texas may see gusts ranging from 25 to 30 mph. Additionally, a storm surge of 1 to 4 feet could lead to coastal flooding. Intense rainfall associated with the system could also increase the risk of urban and flash flooding, especially south of Interstate 10, where locally intense rain bands may develop.
WeatherWeslaco dries out after heavy rain left some streets waist-deep in water
Weslaco is recovering from approximately seven inches of rain that caused significant flooding, particularly on Paisano Lane near Border Avenue, where water reached waist-deep levels. City crews worked to clear drainage systems and remove debris following the storm. Residents like Jose Ruiz reported minimal damage to their homes, but flooding issues persist, raising concerns about future prevention measures. Patricia Ramos highlighted standing water in her backyard and expressed frustration over repeated flooding, despite previous city efforts to widen drainage ditches. The city is now encouraging residents to report any flood damage to the Texas Department of Emergency Management as part of their cleanup efforts.
WeatherDangerous heat index numbers on the rise
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The recent rain from a tropical low-pressure center left behind a soggy soil across deep South Texas, creating the theme of high-humidity for the next couple of days. As water evaporates, out of the soil, humidity will increase. Meanwhile, the old tropical low-pressure center will head towards Beaumont in east Texas,
WeatherRain along the Gulf Coast could become the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season
A storm system forming along the Gulf Coast of Texas may become the first named tropical storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, according to the National Hurricane Center. As of Tuesday afternoon, the system was located about 55 miles south-southwest of Corpus Christi. Heavy rainfall is expected, potentially causing dangerous flooding in Texas and Louisiana. The storm's winds were around 30 mph, just below the threshold for naming. A tropical storm watch is in effect from Sargent, Texas, to Morgan City, Louisiana, with forecasts predicting 4 to 8 inches of rain by Thursday. Tornadoes are also possible in the region.
WeatherValley-wide flood watch canceled
The National Weather Service has lifted the flood watch that affected the entire Rio Grande Valley. Initially set to expire Thursday morning, the watch was canceled on Tuesday night as the risk of flooding rainfall has diminished. Although some light showers may still occur in the coming hours, the significant threat has passed. For ongoing updates, residents are encouraged to download the KRGV FIRST WARN 5 Weather app or follow the KRGV First Warn 5 Weather team on social media platforms like Facebook and X.
Weather'Another inch and it would have come inside': Storm cleanup continues in Weslaco
WESLACO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A day after several inches of rain fell across the Rio Grande Valley, city crews in Weslaco spent Tuesday cleaning up storm debris and working to reduce the risk of additional flooding if more rain moves into the area. Public works crews cleared ditches, drainage inlets and road crossings throughout the