Houston receives around 1,200 mm (roughly 50 inches) of rain annually, and its flat, low-elevation terrain near the Gulf of Mexico means that rain has nowhere fast to drain. The city’s vulnerability was made clear during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, when a slow-moving tropical system dropped record rainfall and caused catastrophic flooding across the metro area. Even outside of hurricane season, Houston sees strong thunderstorm complexes roll in off the Gulf, capable of dumping several inches of rain in a short period. Because rainfall intensity, not just total accumulation, is what turns a routine storm into a flooding emergency here, live radar imagery is one of the most practical tools residents have for judging whether a system is intensifying nearby. The area is covered by the National Weather Service’s Doppler radar network, which meteorologists use to track approaching bands and issue flash flood warnings well ahead of standing water on the roads.
Learn more: Hurricane Season Radar Guide · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Houston right now?
The map above shows recent radar observations over Houston, Texas where coverage is available. Use the map legend and timestamp to interpret the imagery. A blank map over Houston can mean no detected precipitation, missing coverage, delayed data, or rain too light for radar to detect.
How often does the Houston rain radar update?
Updates depend on the radar provider and local network. Check the timestamp on the map for the latest available frame, and press play to compare recent observations. Radar imagery can lag conditions on the ground.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Houston?
Press play to compare recent radar frames over Texas and see the direction of detected rain. This can help you assess approaching showers near Houston, but storms can grow or change direction; check your local weather service for forecasts and warnings.
Is this Houston rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.