Downpours may hinder cleanup and recovery efforts in Texas, Louisiana early this week
Following a couple dry days across southeastern Texas in the wake of Harvey, showers and thunderstorms are set to return early this week and may hinder cleanup efforts.
A surge of tropical moisture will return to the Gulf Coast over the next several days while a cold front dives southward across the central U.S.
Both features will lead to an uptick in shower and thunderstorm activity and will increase the threat for downpours.
The greatest chance for showers and thunderstorms will be on Tuesday night around Houston.
"Any heavier downpours during this time can briefly return standing water to low-lying and poor drainage areas since the soil is so saturated," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski warned.
The recent days of dry weather have allowed water levels of local rivers and bayous to slowly recede after peaking shortly after the departure of Harvey. While downpours will bring additional rain through Wednesday, they are not expected to bring enough rainfall to significantly impact the water levels.
"The showers and thunderstorms will mainly prove disruptive to cleanup operations," Pydynowski said.
The steamy air and temperatures around 90 F each afternoon will make it feel uncomfortable as AccuWeather RealFeel® temperatures soar into the 100s.
This airmass will not remain in the region for too long, however. With the passing of the cold front, a sharp transition from steamy air to drier and more comfortable air will occur.
"Later this week will be much more comfortable for cleanup operations and will give rivers ample opportunity to recede and the soil to dry out," Pydynowski said.
High pressure will likely build southward across the central U.S. during this time and help keep sunshine and dry weather around for at least a few days heading into the weekend, if not longer.
Many rivers and bayous across southeastern Texas and western Louisiana remain near- to above-record flood stage. Despite drier weather moving in, the water levels will only gradually lower each day over the next couple of weeks. Flooding will still remain a big concern for some areas.
The end of the week will feature daytime highs that are 5 to 15 F below normal. Overnight lows will also follow suit and take a tumble.
While the Gulf of Mexico will remain void of any tropical systems through the week, Hurricane Irma will continue to spin across the Atlantic and may pose a threat to the U.S. during the following week.
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