Weather
Weather news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
WeatherAEP Texas reports customers across Hidalgo and Starr County without power
HARLINGEN, TEXAS (ValleyCentral) – An electric utility company is reporting major power outages for customers across Starr and Hidalgo county after the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning early Thursday morning. Thursday, May 21, 3:59 a.m. The AEP Texas outage map is reporting 1,347 Starr county customers who don't have power. In Hidalgo County,
WeatherHeavy Rain and Power Outages Persist in the Rio Grande Valley
Heavy rains in South Texas continue to impact various counties in the Rio Grande Valley, causing power outages and flash flood risks. The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that between three to six inches of rain have fallen in parts of Deep South Texas, with more expected over the weekend. Due to saturated soil, isolated flash flooding is possible in areas experiencing intense rainfall. In Hidalgo County, about 1,370 homes and businesses are without electricity, affecting approximately 0.39% of monitored customers, while over 300 users in Starr County and 42 in Cameron County are also without power. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and avoid flooded streets.
WeatherAlamo files $60, 000 insurance claim after storm cancels watermelon festival
Alamo has submitted a $60,000 insurance claim following the cancellation of its watermelon festival due to severe weather on May 9. The storm caused damage to the stage and equipment, which were rented for the event. Mayor J.R. Garza emphasized the importance of insurance for protecting the city against unforeseen events. He stated that the claim will assist in covering the damages incurred. Additionally, the bands originally scheduled to perform at the watermelon festival will now participate in Freedom Fest, set for July.
WeatherHidalgo County crews set up mobile pumps ahead of potential severe weather
Hidalgo County crews are proactively preparing for potential severe weather this week by setting up mobile pumps and cleaning ditches. On Wednesday, the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 deployed mobile pumps throughout the county and is also readying permanent pumps to quickly remove water from roads. General Manager Raul Sesin mentioned that crews met last Friday to discuss possible storm impacts, particularly in flood-prone areas like southern Pharr, known as Las Milpas. Officials advise residents to stay home and limit travel during severe weather, and to stay informed through local weather updates.
WeatherLoud noise may occur during 12th Starship flight: SpaceX
STARBASE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — SpaceX is alerting residents in Cameron County and around Starbase of the possibility of a loud noise as the aerospace company prepares to launch Starship on Thursday. SpaceX announced on Wednesday night that a loud noise may result from the Starship firing upon ignition. The possibility of loud noise will depend on
WeatherFlash flood advisory in effect for Starr County
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A flood advisory is in effect for Starr County until midnight. At approximately 9:10 p.m. on Wednesday, the radar indicated a slow‑moving storm cell dropping moderate to heavy rain and increasing the risk of flooding. Remember the golden rule: Turn around, don’t drown. Stay safe and avoid flooded roads.
WeatherMore rain and thunderstorms through Memorial Day
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Starting Thursday, the 7-day forecast for Harlingen keeps that early-summer feel going, but with a noticeable uptick in storm chances as we move along. Thursday kicks things off hot and mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-90s and a steady southeast breeze around 10 to 15 mph. Humidity will already be in
WeatherBrownsville holding preparedness fair ahead of hurricane season
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Brownsville is holding a preparedness fair ahead of hurricane season. The safety event will take place on Thursday, May 21, from 5:30 to 8 pm. at the Brownsville Events Center. Odee Leal, the director of the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, said residents will learn how
WeatherValley school districts announce backup graduation plans due to weather
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — With stormy weather expected over the next few days and into the weekend, Rio Grande Valley school districts are announcing alternative schedules for high school graduations. According to the Valley Storm Team, rain chances increase Wednesday night through Thursday, then drop a bit on Friday before popping up again over the
WeatherMore rounds of rain coming our way
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — After the good dousing of rain many areas of the Valley got on Wednesday morning, more rounds of rain and/or thunderstorm activity are expected in the next 24-36 hours. Some of that may include heavy downpours in areas that received rain this morning. Consequently, this has resulted in the area being
WeatherSevere Storm Alert Issued for the Region
The National Weather Service has issued a severe storm alert for South Texas and the border region. The storm system, which originated near Corpus Christi, is moving toward the Rio Grande Valley. Meteorologists report that the most intense activity is focused along the coastal areas, particularly near Brownsville and the Tamaulipas border. Cities like McAllen and Mission are experiencing lighter rain. The system has the potential to produce wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour, hail, and minor damage in some areas. Authorities advise residents to stay updated on weather conditions and take precautions during the storms.
WeatherHidalgo County warns residents to prepare for possible severe weather
Hidalgo County's emergency management coordinator, Ricardo Saldaña, is advising residents to prepare for potential severe weather in the mid-Valley. He highlighted the risks posed by strong winds, which could turn loose objects, particularly trampolines, into hazardous projectiles. Saldaña urged residents to secure trampolines and other items to prevent damage. Additionally, he cautioned against driving on flooded roads and recommended staying informed through reliable sources instead of social media. The county is taking these precautions seriously as they anticipate possible heavy winds that could impact trees and fences.
WeatherThe Storm Prediction Center: Rio Grande Valley at marginal risk for severe weather
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Storm Prediction Center has placed the Rio Grande Valley under a marginal risk for severe weather Tuesday night. This risk indicates that isolated thunderstorms are possible, though they are expected to remain limited in coverage, duration, or intensity. A combination of tropical moisture from the Gulf, daytime heating, and storms breaking apart from a stalled cold front
WeatherTuesday, May 19, 2026: Storms moving in from Mexico could reach the Valley overnight
The Storm Prediction Center has issued a level 1 out of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms in the Rio Grande Valley overnight, with a 30% chance of rain. Strong storms may move in from Nuevo León starting at 7 p.m., but they are expected to weaken before reaching the Valley. Additional thunderstorms could develop west of Laredo and move southward. Key threats include lightning, winds exceeding 58 mph, and heavy rainfall that may cause localized flooding. Hail up to one inch is possible, but the risk of hail is lower than that of strong winds. Stay updated with the KRGV FIRST WARN 5 Weather app.
WeatherRecently Discovered: Asteroid to Pass Very Close to Earth
A recently discovered asteroid, estimated to be about 62 feet wide, will swiftly pass near Earth this Monday, although it is not expected to pose a threat to the planet. The asteroid, officially known as 2026 JH2, will come within approximately 57,000 miles of Earth, according to the European Space Agency; a distance much smaller than that which separates us from the Moon. The Moon is, on average, 238,855 miles away. The asteroid was discovered on May 10 by astronomers from the Mount Lemmon Survey, an astronomical project based in the Santa Catalina Mountains in Arizona. It is unusual for an object of this size to make such a close flyby of Earth, although it is not an unprecedented event.
WeatherWildfires, Storms, and Heat Wave Hit Millions Across Much of the U.S.
Wildfires in California, thunderstorms and flash flood threats in the Midwest, and extreme heat in the Northeast: a wide range of severe weather phenomena is impacting the nation this Tuesday, putting millions of Americans under weather alerts. Near Southern California, evacuation orders and warnings remained in effect on Tuesday as wildfires raged near Burro Peak and throughout the Simi Valley region. The Sandy fire in Simi Valley—located about 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles—has scorched nearly 1,400 acres since it started Monday morning. Only 5% of the fire had been contained by 8:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Evacuations were ordered on Monday for residents in over 10,000 homes in that area.
WeatherDay-to-day shower and thunderstorm chances
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Hot and muggy weather continues to drive the forecast, but so do day-to-day shower and thunderstorm chances. On Tuesday, we'll see highs in the upper 90s to low 100s, but with the muggy, tropical airmass overhead, heat indices could reach 111°. Most of the day will see partly to mostly cloudy
WeatherA serious shift toward a wetter forecast for the Rio Grande Valley
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The next seven days across Harlingen and the Rio Grande Valley bring a familiar late-spring pattern: warm, breezy conditions early, followed by a gradual uptick in clouds, humidity, and storm chances. High temperatures generally hover in the upper 80s to near 90 degrees Fahrenheit with lows in the upper 60s to mid-70s.
Weather100 customer outages reported in Cameron County
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Over 100 customers in the Rio Grande Valley are experiencing power outages, according to Magic Valley Electric Co-op and APE Texas outage maps. Monday 1:20 p.m. In Cameron County, AEP is reporting 100 customer outages. There are also five outages reported in Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy Counties. Monday,12:16 p.m. As of