A wet and stormy Memorial Day for San Antonio and surrounding areas
Monday, May 26, isn’t shaping up to be your typical sun-soaked Memorial Day in San Antonio. Instead, South-Central Texas is bracing for strong to severe storms, including the threat of large hail, damaging winds, isolated tornadoes, and locally heavy rainfall. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), this active pattern could persist throughout the week, making it a particularly stormy start to summer.
Severe weather threats intensify Monday afternoon and night
The NWS has placed portions of the I-35 corridor, the Hill Country, and the Edwards Plateau under a Level 2 of 5 severe risk beginning Monday afternoon through Monday night. On Tuesday, the highest threats shift to the Southern Edwards Plateau. Meanwhile, a Level 1 risk extends over the Rio Grande Plains, Hill Country, and southern half of South-Central Texas into Tuesday night.
Key hazards include:
- Large hail
- Damaging wind gusts
- Isolated tornado potential
- Heavy rainfall with localized flooding
Rainfall amounts and flooding risks increase
The weather pattern will stay unstable, with multiple rounds of showers and storms expected through Thursday. Rainfall totals are forecasted to reach 1 to 3 inches, with localized higher amounts possible. This supports a Level 1 of 4 excessive rainfall risk each day from Monday through Thursday, particularly for flood-prone areas.
The NWS warns of “pockets of locally heavy rainfall” and stresses that isolated flooding may occur in low-lying or poorly drained areas.
Temperatures take a minor dip amid heat and humidity
While temperatures may dip slightly due to increased cloud cover and rainfall, it will remain hot and humid. On Monday, the heat index in San Antonio could still climb to 103°F (39.4°C), even with thunderstorm activity expected after 4 p.m.
Forecast details for Monday include:
- Showers possible between 1–4 p.m.
- Thunderstorms likely after 4 p.m.
- 30% chance of precipitation
- Winds from the southeast at 10–15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph
By Monday night, storm chances increase to 40%, with overnight lows near 75°F (23.8°C). Cloud cover will thicken, and gusty winds may persist into Tuesday, when storms are again expected—especially in the afternoon hours.
The unsettled pattern extends through the week
The storm risk will linger into the latter part of the week. Scattered storms are expected daily through Sunday, June 1, with precipitation chances ranging from 30% to 50%. This sustained rainy pattern may dampen any late-spring outdoor plans across South-Central Texas, especially in areas with already saturated soil.
Stay safe and dry, San Antonio—the weather may not be in your favor this holiday week.
