A shortwave of low air pressure has combined with a surge of moisture-rich air from the Gulf of Mexico to trigger widespread heavy rainfall.

HOUSTON — Houston-area residents can expect plenty of sunshine and temperatures near 90 degrees on Friday and through the weekend, but an Air Quality Alert could make outdoor activities more challenging for some people.

The heat is expected to return later Wednesday afternoon with highs in the 80s after widespread rain. Prepare for a steamy weekend, but rain chances increase going into next week.

Houston has only a 30% chance of afternoon rain on Thursday under otherwise partly sunny skies, and temperatures could approach 90 degrees.

The Houston area could receive rain every day through Memorial Day on Monday, with projected totals between 4-6 inches, according to the National Weather Service’s Houston-Galveston Office. As of Tuesday morning,

Southeast Texas no longer has to worry about widespread rain on Memorial Day, but there will be areas of scattered showers and storms. Since we miss out on city-wide downpours, temperatures will rise into the upper 80s.

A Flood Watch remains in effect through Monday evening for multiple Southeast Texas counties.

A winter storm warning was issued for Houston and most of Southeast Texas. Saturday starts out stormy ahead of plunging temperatures. The winter storm brings the threat of ice and dangerous cold. HOUSTON - Houston is bracing for a weekend winter storm that ...

1:35 PM: An additional flood advisory issued for parts of Galveston County that includes Bolivar Beach. The advisory goes until 4:45 pm. This area has already picked up 1.5 inches and an additional 1 - 3 inches are possible. POWER OUTAGES: Right now more than 9,000 customers are without power while areas to the north at are a little over 5,500.