HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Tropical Storm Bertha is moving across the upper Texas coast today, and we have an ABC13 Weather Watch for the possibility of strong storms and wind gusts over 40 mph.
The storm is also bringing some heat relief to much of Southeast Texas. Clouds have moved into Houston, helping keep afternoon highs closer to 90 degrees instead of near 100.
Tropical Storm Bertha Houston Impacts Today
Most of Southeast Texas should see limited disruptions from Bertha. However, scattered showers and thunderstorms may move through during the afternoon and evening.
The breeze will also increase as the storm passes nearby. In Houston, wind gusts could reach 30 to 40 mph at times. Along the coast, gusts could reach 40 to 50 mph.
Rain totals should generally stay below one inch for most areas. Still, higher totals are possible south of Houston, especially closer to Matagorda Bay.
Coastal Areas Under Tropical Storm Warning
The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Warning along parts of the Texas coast. The warning includes coastal sections of Brazoria and Galveston counties, along with all of Chambers County.
A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm conditions are likely. As Bertha moves through this afternoon and evening, coastal areas could see wind gusts over 40 mph.
Rough waters will also create concerns along the Gulf. Waves could reach 6 to 9 feet, so beachgoers and boaters should avoid dangerous conditions.
Heat Advisory Northwest of Houston
While Bertha’s clouds are cooling much of the Houston area, communities northwest of the city will stay hotter. Highs there may climb into the mid to upper 90s.
Feels-like temperatures could range from 105 to 110 degrees. Because of that heat, a Heat Advisory remains in effect until 7 p.m. for Walker, Brazos, Washington, Grimes, Montgomery, Colorado, Austin, Waller and Wharton counties.
Residents in those areas should limit time outside, drink water and check on older adults, young children and outdoor workers.
When Bertha Moves Out
Bertha should move away quickly. By Friday morning, Southeast Texas should be mostly done with the storm.
After that, drier weather returns. Rain chances this weekend should stay near 10%, and afternoon highs will climb back into the upper 90s.
Next week could bring several triple-digit days. Therefore, the short break from extreme heat may not last long.
No Other Tropical Threats Right Now
Forecasters are focused on Bertha and the Gulf today. At this time, there are no other tropical threats being tracked for the region.
For now, the main concerns are gusty winds, scattered storms, rough coastal waters and dangerous heat northwest of Houston. Residents should stay weather-aware through the evening and follow local alerts as Bertha moves across the upper Texas coast.
This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.