Weather
Weather news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Weather'Be the emergency manager for your family': Officials push hurricane preparedness on South Padre Island
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Hurricane season is underway, and officials on South Padre Island are reminding residents that preparation should begin before a storm is ever in the forecast. The city hosted a hurricane preparedness event Thursday to help residents build emergency plans, learn about available resources and understand the dangers posed by
Weather"It's Quite Extreme": El Niño Heads Toward Historically Strong Levels
El Niño, the climate phenomenon that releases heat and causes a sharp increase in global temperatures, is on track to reach historically strong levels, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported on Thursday. In its monthly update, NOAA indicated that this year's El Niño, a natural warming of the equatorial Pacific that disrupts weather patterns worldwide, has an 81% chance of becoming "very strong"—the highest category available—by fall. It is expected to rank among the most intense El Niños since the agency began recording them in 1950. Its most significant impacts—from droughts to heavy rainfall and heatwaves—are likely to be felt more acutely in the fall and winter, meteorologists noted. This El Niño, which formed just last month, has quickly surpassed the weak phase and is now considered moderate, with no signs of its strengthening slowing down, according to government forecasts. Ocean temperatures in parts of the Pacific that help indicate the strength of El Niño are at or near record highs for this time of year, partly due to the added ocean warming caused by human-induced climate change, meteorologists said. "It's quite extreme," said Emily Becker, a scientist at the University of Miami working with NOAA's El Niño team. "It's not unprecedented, but it is very unusual." Becker noted that it will rival the El Niño of 1997-1998, while other meteorologists predict that this one could be even stronger. The World Bank reported that the El Niño that began in 1997 caused 23,000 deaths from weather-related disasters, increased poverty rates in some countries, and cost governments up to $45 billion.
WeatherPlanned Texas data centers could emit more greenhouse gases than many countries
In Abilene, Texas, Omaira Garcia is facing significant changes to her life due to the construction of OpenAI's "Stargate" data center, which is being built close to her home. The facility's gas-powered power plant is set to emit greenhouse gases equivalent to that of 35 coal-fired power plants. Despite promises of renewable energy, AI companies are primarily relying on gas. Texas is becoming a hub for data centers, with plans for at least 15 gas plants, potentially leading to emissions exceeding those of many countries. Local residents express concerns about air quality and property values as construction continues.
WeatherModerate heat risk with day-to-day storm chances
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Temperature-wise, through the weekend, the Valley stays near summertime normals. Highs will reach the mid to upper 90s during the afternoons with feels-like temps ranging between 100-110° each day. The heat risk remains moderate, a level two out of four, so it is still crucial to take precautions when outside for
WeatherEl Niño is crushing the hurricane forecast
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The Colorado State University hurricane season forecast update is out and the news is good. The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season forecast has been lowered to well below normal, largely due to strengthening El Niño conditions expected to peak during the height of the season. El Niño is likely to dominate by
WeatherHeat, haze and a bit of rain are all in the mix this week
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Temperatures stay true to our typical summer pattern in the Valley, climbing into the upper 90s and low 100s on Wednesday, with heat index values pushing into the triple digits. This means a minor to moderate heat risk for most of the area, so keep your usual warm‑weather precautions in mind. A large plume
WeatherTRAVEL ALERT: US 281 Brooks County Rest Area Temporarily Closed for Maintenance
The US 281 Brooks County Safety Rest Area, located about nine miles south of Falfurrias, is temporarily closed for maintenance. Travelers are advised to seek alternative rest stops as restrooms and other amenities will not be available until the work is completed. Updates will be provided as more information is released. For current travel conditions, motorists can visit DriveTexas.org or call 800-452-9292 for 24-hour highway information.
WeatherNADBank Approves $11.3M in Financing for Cameron County Stormwater Projects
The North American Development Bank (NADBank) has approved an $11.3 million loan for stormwater drainage projects in Cameron County, Texas, aimed at reducing flooding risks for nearly 4,000 low- to moderate-income households. The loan agreement was signed by NADBank Managing Director John Beckham and Cameron County Drainage District No. 6 President Josh Ruiz. This funding will enhance drainage capacity and improve flood management across 8.1 square miles. The project includes upgrades to pump stations and drainage channels, and it is part of NADBank's Water Investment Program, which facilitates financing for critical water projects in the region.
WeatherChance for showers, thunderstorms continues through weekend
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Temperatures are a little above normal for this time of year, according to the Climate Prediction Center. And records indicate it will remain so for the next six to 10 days. Highs today will range from the upper 80s along the coast to the lower triple digits out west. It will
WeatherKeep the heat and bring back the dust for the Valley forecast
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Temperatures will hug the normal high temperatures across the Rio Grande Valley this week. The normal high for the mid-valley this time of year is 95 degrees, while the upper Valley is expected to top out at 98 degrees. If the long-range forecast is any indicator, July will continue to be
WeatherSummertime heat continues for the Valley
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) - Our summertime heat will be continuing today with mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies. High temperatures will reach the triple digits from McAllen to the west. Much of the Valley will bake in the upper 90's. When you factor in the humidity, the heat stress levels will be dangerous during the
WeatherExtreme Heat in the United States Overshadows Independence Day Celebrations
Extreme heat across the United States is linked to 22 deaths, affecting celebrations for the Fourth of July. Nearly 156 million people were under heat alerts, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees in areas like Washington, D.C., and North Carolina. Emergency personnel assisted attendees suffering from heat-related issues during the Salute to America 250 event. Severe thunderstorms also disrupted festivities, prompting evacuations. Over 72 million were under storm alerts, with potential winds exceeding 65 mph. In New Jersey, 19 heat-related deaths were reported, primarily in areas lacking air conditioning. Resources are being sent to critical health centers to assist those affected.
WeatherA mostly sunny, rain-free Fourth of July forecast
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Independence Day will bring mostly sunny, rain‑free weather across the Rio Grande Valley, with afternoon temperatures hovering between 98 and 102 degrees. If you’re thinking about heading out to South Padre Island for the holiday weekend, expect a noticeable cool‑down. Highs will land near 85 degrees, paired with breezy, mostly sunny conditions and a low rip‑current risk. Even with the
WeatherFourth of July forecast to have hot, breezy conditions
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Hot, breezy and mainly rain-free conditions will continue through the holiday weekend. High temperatures today will reach up to 101 for cities like Roma and Rio Grande City, but most of the Valley will remain in the upper 90s. If you plan on going to South Padre Island, expect great weather
WeatherBetween Mourning and Hope: Texas Remembers a Year Since the Deadliest Floods in Its Recent History
As thousands of families across Texas woke up with the hope of celebrating July 4th with music, events, and fireworks, others began one of the most painful days of their lives: desperately searching for their loved ones among the mud, debris, and devastation. The catastrophic floods that struck the mountainous region of Texas, known as the Hill Country, on July 4, 2025, turned a day of celebration into a tragedy that forever marked the state. The disaster resulted in 139 deaths, hundreds of shattered families, and entire communities in mourning. According to the National Weather Service, 119 of those deaths occurred along the Guadalupe River, the area hardest hit by the relentless force of the waters, where hundreds of lives were affected by tragedy in just a few hours. What was meant to be a national celebration turned into one of the deadliest and most devastating natural disasters in Texas's recent history. The National Weather Service reported that a band of rain between 7 and 12 inches fell over the southern branch of the Guadalupe River, with much of that precipitation recorded in just three hours. The storms produced extremely intense rainfall rates, at times exceeding 4 to 5 inches per hour. Emergency calls released by the Kerrville Police Department depict the horror experienced during the July 4th floods, with families pleading for help as water invaded their homes and escape routes disappeared. In response to the tragedy, Texas implemented new laws aimed at enhancing safety in youth camps and improving emergency response. In September 2025, Governor Greg Abbott signed three key measures to address the shortcomings revealed during the disaster. These laws require youth camps to have emergency plans, alert systems, and trained personnel to respond to critical situations, as well as impose fines for non-compliance. The legislation also mandates that parents sign documents acknowledging the risks associated with camps located in FEMA-designated flood zones. Following a legislative investigation, it was concluded that Camp Mystic lacked adequate procedures to handle an emergency of that magnitude, leading to its withdrawal of the application to operate in the summer of 2026 and subsequent bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11. While most camps in the region have reopened under new safety measures, the affected families remain focused on ensuring that a catastrophe like this does not happen again.
WeatherHot, humid July 4th with stretch of rain to follow
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The next seven days across the Rio Grande Valley look like classic South Texas summer — hot, a little hazy, and pretty consistent. Expect mostly sunny skies each day with just a few passing clouds here and there. High temperatures will hover in the upper 90s to around 100 degrees, while
WeatherImprovements in progress to reduce flooding in Cameron County
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Significant improvements are being made to a drain channel that is vital to properly transporting stormwater and reducing flooding in Cameron County. Cameron County Drainage District #5 crews are working to regrade the North Main Drain Channel, a 17-mile-long channel that starts in Primera and flows to the Arroyo in Rio
WeatherMostly dry, hot and humid as we head into the holiday weekend
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — We will continue to see plenty of sunshine today, but there is a small chance that it could be temporarily interrupted by a quick shower in a few spots. We could see a few isolated splash-and-dash showers this afternoon from the sea breeze. Most of us will stay dry, hot, and
WeatherMostly dry, hot and humid as we head into the holiday weekend
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — We will continue to see plenty of sunshine today, but there is a small chance that it could be temporarily interrupted by a quick shower in a few spots. We could see a few isolated splash-and-dash showers this afternoon from the sea breeze. Most of us will stay dry, hot, and