Small Depth, Huge Risk: Why Six Inches of Water is Dangerous

In Texas, just six inches of fast-moving water can lead to vehicle loss of control, posing significant risks, especially for drivers of heavy trucks and SUVs. This is a primary reason for flood-related fatalities in the state. Heavy rains are most common from spring to fall, with hurricane season running from June 1 to November 30. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) urges drivers to stay informed about weather conditions, avoid flooded areas, reduce speed, and comply with road closures. Ignoring barricades can result in fines up to $2,000 and jail time. Staying home during severe weather is advised.

Hot, humid and a chance for rain this weekend

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Well, we started off this Thursday with a few spotty showers across the Valley, and this activity will continue into Friday. More rain is on the way as we head into the weekend, due to remnants of Cristina and a low-pressure system in the Bay of Campeche, which has very low

CBS 4, NBC 23 and KGBT 4.1 temporarily off the air due to tower work

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — CBS 4 and NBC 23 and KGBT 4.1 are temporarily off the air Thursday morning as crews conduct tower work. Our stations will be temporarily off-air from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. But don't forget you can catch all of our latest coverage on news, weather and sports on ValleyCentral+, an

El Niño has formed: NOAA confirms the return of this climate phenomenon

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced on Thursday that the climate phenomenon El Niño has officially formed in the tropical Pacific Ocean. The meteorological agency issued a warning about the possibility that it could reach moderate, strong, or even very strong intensity in the coming months. According to meteorologists, there is a 63% chance that sea surface temperatures in the monitored region of the Pacific will exceed 2 degrees Celsius above average, a threshold that NOAA uses to classify an event as a 'very strong' El Niño. El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon. It occurs when temperatures in the equatorial Pacific remain at least 0.5 degrees Celsius above average for several consecutive months, disrupting the atmospheric pattern known as the Walker circulation, which normally moves air from west to east across the ocean. While each El Niño episode has its unique characteristics, NOAA explained that this phenomenon typically reaches its peak intensity during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere. Common effects include a warmer-than-normal winter in much of the northern United States, increased storm activity in the southern United States with higher chances of rain and snow, reduced cyclonic activity in the Atlantic due to increased upper-atmosphere winds, heightened tropical activity in the eastern and central Pacific, increased risk of coastal flooding associated with high tides in some regions, and disruptions in marine ecosystems and the migratory patterns of fish and other ocean species. 'Each El Niño is different; each has its own signature on weather patterns,' said Ken Graham, director of NOAA's National Weather Service. The agency also reported that it has officially begun using a new index known as the Relative Oceanic Niño Index (RONI) to monitor and forecast El Niño and La Niña events. According to NOAA, this new method provides a more accurate measurement of ocean temperature anomalies and has shown better correlation with atmospheric changes associated with these climate phenomena. Experts will continue to monitor the evolution of El Niño over the coming months to determine the magnitude of its global effects.

Tropics may bring next round of rains

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The National Hurricane Center on Wednesday morning indicated a 10% chance of tropical development in the Bay of Campeche or the Gulf in the next seven days. This would be from the remnants of Tropical Storm Cristina after crossing over Mexico from the Pacific Ocean. The likelihood of any storm development

Tropical storm Cristina update

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Conditions will remain mostly hot and dry through the rest of this week, but changes may arrive as we head into the weekend and early next week. Tropical Storm Cristina is currently located along the Central American coastline (Tuesday, June 9, 2026), moving toward Guatemala City and weakening as it interacts with

Brownsville neighborhood floods as construction project raises concerns

How bad will drought be in Texas? Rio Grande Valley farmers are bracing for the worst.

Farmers across Texas, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley, are preparing for a challenging summer as nearly 50% of the state faces drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. While recent rains have provided temporary relief, they are insufficient to significantly improve water availability. The produce industry in the Valley anticipates a 40% decrease in typical plantings due to ongoing dry weather. This situation is exacerbated by an aging water infrastructure and climate instability. Drought has already led to significant agricultural impacts, including layoffs and reduced production, raising concerns for the upcoming season.

Muggy weather pattern brings heat index up to 110 degrees

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- High pressure in the Gulf will settle in over the next few days leading to a warmer and mostly dry weather pattern for us here in the Valley. Throughout Tuesday, we'll see highs climb into the low 90s in the east to upper 90s out west. Factor in the mugginess, dew

Hot and dry is the name of the game this week

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —The familiar rhythm of daily afternoon showers from last week is taking a break. A strong high‑pressure system settles in Monday night and keeps a tight grip on our weather for the next several days, dramatically cutting down rain chances across the Valley.  Temperatures jump quickly starting Tuesday. Expect the low 80s along the coast and the

Mosquito spraying in Harlingen paused due to weather conditions

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The City of Harlingen announced Monday that its Vector Control team has temporarily paused mosquito spraying operations due to weather conditions. According to the city, ongoing rainfall and high winds will not allow the spray to be effective. Treatments are at risk of washing away or drifting with the wind. The city

Tropical Depression Three-E Forms Off the Coast of Nicaragua

Tropical Depression Three-E formed off the coast of Nicaragua on Monday and is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). As of the NHC's 9:00 a.m. CST bulletin, the system was located about 90 miles west of Managua and 190 miles southeast of San Salvador, with sustained winds of 35 mph and moving north at 7 mph. Tropical storm warnings are in effect for the Nicaraguan coast from Puerto Sandino to the Honduras border, as well as for the entire Salvadoran coast. The depression could bring 4 to 12 inches of rain, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides until Thursday morning.

7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes the Philippines, Leaving at Least 32 Dead

A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday, causing significant damage and resulting in at least 32 fatalities and over 200 injuries. The quake, centered offshore near Mindanao, led to building collapses in General Santos City and triggered a 1-meter tsunami that affected coastal areas. Rescue teams are searching for at least 12 people reported missing in General Santos, where infrastructure was severely impacted. The Philippine government has canceled classes and mobilized disaster response agencies. The earthquake is the strongest to hit the country this year, with aftershocks expected. International support has been offered from the U.S., France, and New Zealand.

A few more showers until mostly dry conditions return to the Valley this week

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — As expected, light to moderate showers have been steady over the past couple of hours, with Cameron, Willacy, and Hidalgo counties seeing the most rainfall. Though Starr County has seen a few spotty showers as well. Rain will continue for the remainder of today, and although we are not expecting any severe

Tropical Depression Two-E Forms in the Pacific

Tropical Depression Two-E has formed in the Pacific, prompting a tropical storm warning for the southern coast of Mexico, from Laguna de Chacahua to Tecpan de Galeana. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that as of noon CT, the system was located 85 miles south of Acapulco, with sustained winds of 35 mph and moving at 6 mph. It is expected to strengthen and could become a tropical storm before reaching the coast early Monday. Residents are urged to prepare for potential heavy rains and flooding as the hurricane season officially began on May 15 for the Pacific and June 1 for the Atlantic.

Despite the heat and humidity this weekend should be fairly nice

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — If you're planning to spend the weekend outside in Harlingen, it's gonna be hot, humid, and with a whisper of sea breeze showers each afternoon. Saturday looks partly cloudy with highs pushing up to around 92°F, though the heat index will make it feel closer to the upper 90s. Winds will be

Sharyland baseball state championship game postponed due to weather

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Sharyland Rattlers baseball team's state championship game has been postponed due to weather conditions. The Division II State Championships at Round Rock have been rescheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, where Sharyland will face Lucas Lovejoy. Sharyland is the fifth Valley baseball team to advance to the state championship.

Weekend rain chances linger, dry week to follow

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Rain showers, non severe thunderstorms stay in the forecast through the weekend with highest chances Friday then isolated, spotty showers Saturday and Sunday. Of those two days Saturday looks to be the most dry compared to Sunday. The activity won't be a washout but be mindful that rain is on the

$1. 2 million flood warning network aims to give residents hours of notice across the Rio Grande Valley

Cameron County is developing a flood early warning system to provide residents in the Rio Grande Valley with advance notice of potential flooding. Currently, 48 data collection stations are operational, with plans to add at least 18 more. The system aims to give residents several hours of warning, allowing them to take necessary precautions, such as gathering sandbags or important documents. The stations communicate to track rising water levels and send alerts downstream. Funded by the state at a cost of approximately $1.2 million, the project will also aid in determining future flood mitigation efforts. A sign-up link for alerts will be available this fall.