The day began with funnel cloud and water spout (a funnel over the water) sightings as thunderstorms developed over Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Those storms then drifted inland and really grew as they encountered the very hot and humid air over Southeast Texas. It was already in the mid 90s in many placed before noon. That's the perfect environment for storms to blossom. The heating was aided by lift from an upper-level disturbance and the result was a few more scattered showers and storms that doused different parts of the area.
None of this rain, by the way, has anything to do with any tropical storm, just good 'ol Gulf of Mexico moisture. Ernesto is too far away to impact our weather and even if it makes if across the Yucatan later this week and ends up in the southern Gulf, it will affect the Mexican, not Texas Gulf coast.
Here are some totals from our exclusive WeatherBug rain gauges around southeast Texas today:
And in and around Houston:
Expect more rain tomorrow; the challenge is timing. There is plenty of moist air in the atmosphere and Monday could again begin with coastal storms that drift inland. Bottom line, keep your umbrella handy and watch for those clouds that look like cauliflower at the top - those are the ones that are building to eventually pour on you.
