Weather
Weather news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
WeatherValley homeowners, businesses affected by May storms can apply for disaster loans
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Qualifying homeowners, renters, and businesses that were affected by severe weather in late April and early May can apply for federal assistance, Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Tuesday. Abbott said the U.S. Small Business Administration approved his request to include the Rio Grande Valley in a federal disaster declaration following the
WeatherRoads in Primera close due to flooding: TxDOT
PRIMERA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Transportation is alerting drivers about road closures in Primera due to flooding on Tuesday afternoon. Officials with TxDOT report that the northbound I-69E exit to Primera Road and the southbound I-69E frontage road just south of Primera Road are currently closed. Drivers are advised not to drive
WeatherFlood advisory issued in Cameron County
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A flood advisory is in effect for Cameron County until 6 p.m. on Tuesday. According to the advisory, minor flooding may occur in low-lying and poor drainage areas. A radar created by our Valley Storm Team shows a cluster of thunderstorms affecting the northwest area of Cameron County and parts of
WeatherGovernor Announces SBA Assistance for Storm-Impacted South Texas
Governor Greg Abbott announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved federal disaster assistance for South Texas, following severe storms that affected the Rio Grande Valley in late April and early May. The counties of Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy are included in this declaration. The SBA will offer low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, and businesses impacted by the storms. A Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open in San Benito to assist applicants with the process. Residents can apply online or contact the SBA for more information on available assistance.
WeatherSpotty showers again today
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Look for just a few spotty showers again on Tuesday. They will most likely occur in the afternoon, with the sea breeze triggering isolated showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Most will be small and short-lived. Highs this afternoon will reach the lower 90's for much of the Valley, with mid-90s expected
WeatherSea breeze effect brings a chance of rain showers
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Over the next week, the Rio Grande Valley will experience isolated showers and thunderstorms driven by the sea breeze effect. This phenomenon occurs when cooler, moist Gulf air meets the warmer air over land, sparking daily rounds of showers and storms. While severe weather isn’t expected, some storms could be locally heavy, with frequent lightning and loud afternoon thunderstorms, especially on Tuesday and
WeatherSouth Padre Island shares hurricane season preparedness tips
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of South Padre Island shared hurricane season preparation tips on Monday. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. HURRICANE SPECIAL: Watch Preparing for Tomorrow, our Valley Storm Team's 2026 hurricane special here. "Planning what to do in advance is an important part of being prepared," the city
WeatherPreparing for Tomorrow: Valley Storm Team hurricane special
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Hurricane season has arrived, and the Valley Storm Team has put together its annual 30-minute special to be sure all Valley residents are prepared for what could come tomorrow. The Atlantic Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November. The fastest storm to hit the state of Texas only took
WeatherImportance of storm insurance before it's too late
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Having a place to call home is a dream for many here in the Valley. It’s a spot to create memories, raise a family, or even just a place to get away from the stress of a long workday. Protecting your safe space comes with proper insurance. “We’ve never been through
WeatherHurricane season, meteorological summer begins as daily rain chances return to the Valley
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Monday, June 1, marks the first day of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season but also the start of meteorological summer. Throughout the week, moisture content in the atmosphere will increase, combining with the sea breeze to bring the Valley daily isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms. A strong but elevated storm
WeatherSevere Weather Special: Know How to Protect Yourself During Climate Emergencies
Every year, massive tropical systems form over the warm waters of the ocean, bringing destructive winds, dangerous storm surges, and floods that can transform entire communities in a matter of hours. Hurricanes thus represent one of the most significant threats to families in South Texas. Preparing for severe weather does not start when the storm arrives, but much earlier. Understanding the risks, reviewing insurance, preparing a family plan, staying alert to official warnings, and acting in a timely manner can save lives during hurricanes, floods, fires, blackouts, hail, and extreme heat. Severe storms can bring damaging winds, hail, torrential rain, lightning, and even tornadoes. Meteorologists explain that for a storm to strengthen, several ingredients must come together: moisture, atmospheric instability, a lifting mechanism, and changes in wind direction or speed at different levels of the atmosphere. Any alteration in these factors can change the intensity, duration, or path of a storm, which is why forecasts are constantly updated. Additionally, observing the sky can provide signals: high, bulging, or tilted clouds may indicate more intense storms, especially if structures like cumulonimbus or mammatus clouds develop. Insurance specialists warn that many homeowners' policies do not cover damage caused by flooding from outside sources. Therefore, they recommend checking in advance if one has flood insurance, as some coverages require a waiting period before they take effect. Key recommendations include: reviewing the insurance policy before the season, repairing damage to roofs, doors, and windows, trimming branches or trees that could fall on the home, preparing a family evacuation plan, having water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents ready, and knowing the flood and wind risk in your area. Cities like Weslaco have experienced severe flooding in recent years, partly due to drainage systems that do not always respond to current urban growth. Consequently, local authorities are working on stormwater infrastructure projects to improve water flow and reduce the impact of future extreme rains. Notable improvements include new drainage boxes, retention ponds, and systems to direct water to channels outside urban areas. Experts remind the community to also help by avoiding littering in sewers, drains, and channels. Hail poses a risk that can cause severe damage. Hail forms when raindrops are lifted within a storm and freeze in the colder areas of the cloud. As the ice circulates within the storm, more water droplets adhere to it until it becomes too heavy and falls to the surface. The stronger the storm, the larger the hail can be. The Valley has recorded events with large hail capable of damaging vehicles, roofs, windows, and, in extreme cases, injuring people or animals.
WeatherRio Grande Valley Faces Water Reckoning as Leaders Warn of Hard Choices Ahead
The RGV Connect Water Forum, held on April 15, 2026, at Texas Southmost College, focused on water security and regional growth in the Rio Grande Valley. Moderated by Colin McDonald from the Texas Water Foundation, the forum featured discussions among public officials, utility leaders, and agricultural representatives about the Valley's water challenges. While the region is not running out of water, the reliability of this resource is changing. Panelists emphasized the need for regional cooperation and local solutions to address water shortages affecting agriculture, including the closure of the Rio Grande Valley Sugar Mill, which resulted in a loss of 500 jobs and $100 million annually.
WeatherHurricane Season Begins in the Atlantic: What to Expect
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and runs until November 30, 2026. Meteorologists predict a slightly less active season than usual, with a 55% chance of below-average activity. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts 8 to 14 named storms, 3 to 6 hurricanes, and 1 to 3 major hurricanes (Category 3 to 5). The expected development of a strong El Niño pattern may influence this season's activity. The Colorado State University also anticipates 13 named storms, with 6 reaching hurricane status. Residents are advised to prepare emergency supplies and have an evacuation plan ready.
WeatherA chance for showers and thunderstorms each afternoon this week
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Well, the rain we saw last week has definitely done us some good. Monthly rainfall totals are looking fabulous, with cities like Brownsville, Harlingen, and McAllen all above normal averages for this month. The drought monitor shows the improvements as well, with now only dry to moderate conditions across the
WeatherHot and humid this weekend turns to more rain and thunderstorms next week
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Grab your bottle of water and that big, floppy hat before heading outdoors this weekend. Daytime high temperatures will push to the mid 90s across the mid and upper Valley areas Saturday and Sunday. The real concern comes with elevated humidity as the heat index will push past 100 degrees each
WeatherThe heat is on through the weekend
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — As high pressure settles in, this will bring us a sunny, quiet, dry but hot weather pattern through the weekend. This Friday afternoon will see highs in the low to mid-90s under lots of sunshine. Factor in mugginess, and the feels-like temps will climb up to 105°. The UV index will
WeatherRecent rain quenching Valley drought for the short term
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — After weeks of dry, dusty conditions, the recent stretch of rain across the Rio Grande Valley has been a pretty big deal. Thunderstorms have rolled through with some decent soaking rains, dropping a few inches in many spots and even more in isolated areas. It’s the kind of rain that doesn’t
WeatherCameron County residents dealing with flooding and other damages following severe storm
Residents in Cameron County are recovering from a severe storm that caused localized flooding and power outages in the Lower Valley. Emergency crews surveyed affected areas on Wednesday, reporting no floodwater entering homes. In Brownsville, a tree fell in front of a resident's house on Esperanza Lane, blocking the entrance. Wind gusts reached 41 mph at the local airport. South Padre Island experienced street flooding, while San Benito residents, like Karyana Martinez, faced water-covered streets, a recurring issue for her neighborhood. As hurricane season approaches, officials urge residents to prepare emergency kits with essential supplies.
WeatherFacing the Fury 2026: Weslaco family reflects on riding out Hurricane Beulah nearly 60 years later
Meteorologist Andrew Chung revisits Hurricane Beulah, which struck the Rio Grande Valley in September 1967, bringing 15 to 30 inches of rain. Residents Robert and David Ault recall the terrifying night, with high winds destroying structures in their neighborhood. Fortunately, no fatalities occurred in the Valley, although flooding caused significant issues. Cathy Ault shares her family's experience of initially planning to evacuate but ultimately returning to Weslaco, where their home sustained minimal damage. Reflecting on the storm, Robert emphasizes the importance of preparedness, urging residents not to become complacent about future hurricanes.