If you’re planning a Memorial Day weekend in Texas, you’ll probably need to prep for more than just barbecues and road trips. Most years, you’ll get warm to hot temps with a decent chance for rain or storms, especially if you’re east of I-35. Some years bring nothing but sunshine, but honestly, rainfall and thunderstorms pop up often enough to mess with outdoor plans.
Weather conditions swing wildly depending on where you land. Houston and Dallas get muggy air and higher odds of showers, while Austin sees everything from pleasant warmth to sudden storms. Out in El Paso, things usually stay drier and less humid, but the heat ramps up fast during the day.
If you know these patterns, you’ll have a better shot at packing right—maybe bring both sunscreen and a rain jacket. Memorial Day in Texas doesn’t stick to a script, but knowing the usual weather gives you a leg up when planning and dodging surprises.
Typical Memorial Day Weather in Texas
Memorial Day in Texas usually brings warm or hot afternoons, a shot at scattered storms, and muggy air that can make it feel even hotter. The details shift depending on where you are—higher heat out west, more humidity in the east, and storms most likely in central and north Texas.
Average Temperatures
Temperatures often reach the mid-80s to low 90s°F across much of Texas in late May. In Houston and Dallas, highs usually hit between 85°F and 90°F. Austin often lands near 88°F. Out in El Paso, you’ll probably see hotter days, with highs close to 92°F.
Mornings feel a lot more comfortable, usually in the 60s to low 70s°F. Nights stay warmer along the Gulf Coast since humidity keeps temps from dropping much. Cooler mornings show up more often in the Panhandle and higher spots.
Heat builds fast by midday, so if you’re planning to be outside, earlier is better. Don’t forget shade, sunscreen, and water if you’re out for long stretches.
| City | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | 87 | 71 |
| Dallas | 86 | 69 |
| Austin | 88 | 70 |
| El Paso | 92 | 66 |
Rainfall Patterns
Rainfall around Memorial Day really depends on your spot in Texas. In North and Central Texas, you often get storm systems that spark scattered thunderstorms. These storms can pop up fast and dump heavy rain, hail, or strong winds.
East Texas and the Gulf Coast usually see higher rain chances, with humid air fueling afternoon showers. West Texas, including El Paso and the Trans-Pecos, stays drier, but isolated storms can still show up.
Storms tend to be short but intense, with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour in the bigger cells. If you’re traveling, watch out for brief delays or wet roads, especially around Dallas–Fort Worth where Memorial Day storms are pretty common.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Humidity makes a big difference in how Memorial Day weekend feels. Along the Gulf Coast and in East Texas, dew points often sit in the upper 60s to low 70s°F, so the air gets sticky. That can push the heat index up over 95°F, even if the actual temp isn’t that high.
In West Texas, humidity drops way down, so the heat feels drier and honestly more tolerable. Central Texas lands somewhere in the middle, with muggy mornings that sometimes get a bit better in the afternoon if the wind picks up.
Winds usually stay light to moderate, around 8–15 mph. The Panhandle and open plains get breezier, while coastal areas can get onshore breezes. These winds help keep the heat from getting out of control, but they also move storm systems across Texas pretty fast.
Regional Weather Differences Across Texas
Conditions during Memorial Day can look totally different depending on where you are in Texas. You might deal with humid heat, afternoon storms, or dry desert air—it all comes down to region. These differences matter for travel and outdoor plans.
North Texas: Dallas and Fort Worth
Dallas and Fort Worth usually get hot and humid afternoons in late May, with highs in the upper 80s to mid-90s °F. Humidity makes it feel even warmer, especially in the evenings when the air holds more moisture.
Storm chances go up when cold fronts drift into the area. Severe weather isn’t rare here—large hail, strong winds, and heavy downpours can all happen. You’ll want to stay flexible, since storms can build fast in the late afternoon.
Rainfall totals jump around. Some years you’ll just get a few showers, but others bring several inches of rain in a hurry. Flooding becomes a risk in low spots, especially near creeks and rivers around the Metroplex.
If you’re planning outdoor stuff, mornings are usually your best bet. By midday, the heat and storm risk climb, so flexible scheduling helps dodge weather headaches.
Central and East Texas
Central Texas, including Austin and Waco, usually sees hotter daytime highs than North Texas, often pushing into the mid-90s °F. Humidity runs high, and heat index values can top 100 °F.
East Texas gets even more moisture. Places like Tyler or Lufkin often feel sticky, with muggy mornings and warm nights. Afternoon showers and storms are common, driven by Gulf moisture.
Rainfall in these areas is often heavier and more widespread than out west. Storms may not always be severe, but they can still bring brief flooding and lightning hazards. If you’re camping, hiking, or hitting the lakes, you’ll want to keep an eye on the forecast.
Shade, plenty of water, and starting your activities early are the best ways to handle the heat and humidity here.
West and South Texas
West Texas, including El Paso and Midland, stays much drier. Around Memorial Day, daytime highs usually hit the low to upper 90s °F, but the dry desert air keeps the heat feeling more tolerable than in the east. Nights cool off fast, sometimes dropping into the 60s.
Rain doesn’t show up often, but when storms do hit, they can be intense. You might get strong winds, dust storms, and short bursts of heavy rain. Dry soil means even quick downpours can cause flash flooding in arroyos and low-water crossings.
South Texas, including San Antonio and down toward the Rio Grande Valley, gets hotter and more humid. Temperatures often climb into the mid to upper 90s °F, and the Gulf brings thick humidity. Afternoon storms aren’t as frequent as in East Texas, but when they hit, they pack a punch.
If you’re traveling in these regions, expect lots of sun and heat. Bring water, plan for shade, and watch out on rural roads—flooding or blowing dust can come up fast.
Severe Weather Risks During Memorial Day
Texas often deals with unsettled weather during Memorial Day. Storm systems can bring damaging winds, heavy rain, and quick temperature swings, making outdoor plans and travel a bit tricky.
Severe Thunderstorms
You’ll often see severe thunderstorms in late May. These storms get going when warm, humid Gulf air runs into drier air from the west. That mix can lead to intense downpours, tons of lightning, and hail.
Large hailstones, sometimes bigger than golf balls, show up more than you’d think. Strong winds over 60 mph can knock out power and damage trees, cars, and roofs.
Flash flooding can happen too. Low spots, creeks, and city streets fill up fast after heavy rain. If you’re traveling, always check the forecast and never drive through flooded roads.
Key threats from thunderstorms include:
- Damaging winds
- Large hail
- Intense lightning
- Flash flooding
Tornadoes
Tornadoes don’t happen as often as thunderstorms but still pose a real risk in Texas during late May. The risk jumps when strong storm systems meet warm, moist Gulf air.
You might spot tornado activity in North and Central Texas, especially near Dallas–Fort Worth and the Plains. Most tornadoes are short-lived and weak, but some can be strong enough to destroy homes and mess up travel.
Warning times are usually short, so it’s smart to pay attention to watches and warnings. Outdoor events like barbecues or parades can get interrupted in a hurry if a tornado pops up.
If you’re in Texas for Memorial Day, know your nearest shelter locations and have a plan. Even if a tornado doesn’t hit, the storms that can produce them often bring damaging hail and winds.
Impact of Cold Fronts
Cold fronts really shape Memorial Day weather in Texas. When cooler air from the north pushes in and meets warm, humid Gulf air, you get a recipe for storms.
These storm lines can stretch for miles, dropping heavy rain and strong winds along the way. After the storms move through, the temperature can drop sharply and make things feel a lot cooler.
Cold fronts usually trigger the most organized severe weather outbreaks. They can set off clusters of thunderstorms that last for hours and cover wide areas, even shutting down major highways and airports.
Travel delays and cancellations are pretty common when a strong front blows through. Staying updated on timing helps you plan around storms and avoid getting stuck on the road during the worst of it.
Notable Memorial Day Weather Events
Texas has had Memorial Day weekends with destructive floods, big thunderstorm outbreaks, and even extreme swings in temperature. These events show how fast the weather can change in late spring.
Historic Floods
Flooding stands out as one of the most damaging Memorial Day weather threats in Texas. In 2015, the Blanco River shot up nearly 20 feet in just an hour after 6–13 inches of rain hit the watershed. Towns like Wimberley and San Marcos lost homes, with more than 300 buildings wiped out.
San Antonio got hit with devastating floods in 2013 when 10–11 inches of rain fell in only two hours. Creeks and rivers surged, leading to hundreds of water rescues and multiple fatalities.
Even drier regions aren’t safe. In 2021, storms over Midland-Odessa dumped up to 4 inches of rain per hour. Streets filled up fast, and emergency crews had to rescue 27 people from floodwaters. Urban and rural areas both face life-threatening flash floods during this holiday.
Significant Storm Outbreaks
Severe thunderstorms often hit in late May, and Memorial Day has seen its share of big outbreaks. Large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes have all spoiled holiday plans across Texas.
In 2015, the same weekend that brought historic flooding also saw at least 16 tornadoes across the state. Communities in North and Central Texas dealt with widespread damage from wind and hail on top of the flood mess.
More recently, Memorial Day weekends have brought Level 2 “slight risk” outlooks from the Storm Prediction Center, especially near Dallas-Fort Worth and Waco. These setups often mean hail big enough to damage cars and roofs.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, remember that even a quick storm can create dangerous conditions and slow down travel.
Heatwaves and Unusual Cold Snaps
Storms and floods might grab the headlines, but Memorial Day sometimes brings wild temperature swings. Some years, Texas bakes under record-breaking heat, with highs soaring near or above 100°F.
That kind of heat can wreck outdoor plans and really ramps up the risk of heat-related illness.
Other years, cooler weather has caught everyone off guard. Sometimes, highs barely reach the 70s, which feels chilly for late May.
Clouds and rain usually tag along with these cooler days.
If you’re traveling, you’ll want to pack for both hot afternoons and those unexpectedly cool evenings. Memorial Day sits right on the edge between spring and summer, so wild temperature swings just come with the territory.
Weather Forecasting for Memorial Day Weekend
Texas weather in late May loves to change on a dime. You might sweat through a hot afternoon, then scramble for cover as storms roll in after sunset.
If you know how to track forecasts and stay aware of changing conditions, you’ll have a much safer time planning anything outdoors.
How to Check the Latest Forecast
Don’t just stick to one source for your Memorial Day weekend weather forecast. The National Weather Service (NWS) usually offers the most reliable, up-to-date info, with detailed breakdowns of storm risks, rainfall, and temperature changes.
Local TV stations and radio updates can be handy, especially for last-minute alerts. Many stations show live radar, so you can actually see storms moving in and decide whether it’s worth staying outside or heading in.
Weather apps like NOAA Weather, AccuWeather, or Weather.com give you hourly forecasts, radar, and push notifications for severe weather. If you’re traveling across Texas, these apps are a lifesaver, since weather can look totally different in the Hill Country, Gulf Coast, or Panhandle.
You can also check forecast maps for a more detailed look at rain chances and temperature swings. These maps point out spots with higher risks for thunderstorms, hail, or flooding.
| Source | Best Use |
|---|---|
| NWS | Official alerts, detailed discussions |
| Local TV/Radio | Real-time radar, community updates |
| Apps | Hourly changes, mobile notifications |
Tips for Staying Weather-Aware
Always plan for sudden changes—Texas weather can flip from sunny and hot to stormy in a few hours. If you’re organizing outdoor events like barbecues, parades, or lake trips, you’ll want a backup plan.
Keep a portable weather radio or turn on wireless emergency alerts on your phone. These will warn you about severe thunderstorms, flash floods, or tornado watches. Even when tornadoes aren’t likely, damaging winds and hail still show up pretty often.
When you’re on the road, check the weather along your whole route, not just at your destination. A storm in Central Texas might leave Dallas or Houston untouched.
If camping, steer clear of low-lying spots that might flood and make sure to anchor your tent against gusty winds. Planning to hit the lake? Watch lightning alerts and get off the water at the first sign of trouble.
Just a few simple steps—like checking radar before heading out, tossing rain gear in your bag, and knowing where to find shelter—can make all the difference for a safe holiday weekend.
Planning Outdoor Activities Around Memorial Day Weather
Late May in Texas usually means warm afternoons, muggy air, and the ever-present chance of thunderstorms. If you want to get the most out of your outdoor plans, you’ll need to think about timing, safety, and a backup in case the weather goes sideways.
Best Times of Day for Events
Mornings are usually your best bet for comfortable weather. Cooler temps, lower humidity, and a smaller risk of storms make it the ideal time for a barbecue, picnic, or hike.
Try to start before noon if you can—it helps you avoid the brutal afternoon heat.
By afternoon, plenty of Texas spots hit the 90s. The sun and humidity can make it feel even hotter than it is. If you’re outside, stick to the shade, wear light clothes, and drink lots of water.
Evenings get a little easier as the sun goes down, but scattered storms tend to pop up then. If you’re planning concerts, fireworks, or family get-togethers, keep an eye on the radar and watch for storms.
Tip: Do your active stuff—like sports or hiking—early. Save the chill activities, like grilling or stargazing, for later.
Safety Considerations
Heat and storms are the big risks you’ll need to watch out for. High temps can cause heat exhaustion if you don’t take it slow. Wear breathable clothes, drink water often, and rest in the shade when you can.
Thunderstorms can build up fast in Texas. Lightning, strong winds, and hail aren’t rare. If you hear thunder, get inside right away. Open fields, lakes, and metal stuff are all bad places to be during a storm.
Flooding can also sneak up in some areas. Heavy rain sometimes floods low roads and trails. Always check the forecast and never drive through water on the road.
Here’s a basic safety checklist:
- Hydration: Bring water for everyone.
- Shelter: Know where the closest indoor spot is.
- Weather alerts: Turn on notifications on your phone.
- First aid: Pack a small kit, just in case.
Backup Plans for Severe Weather
Late spring can throw some pretty unstable weather your way, so it makes sense to always keep a backup plan in your pocket. I mean, who wants to cancel a good time just because the sky isn’t cooperating? Community centers, museums, or even that quirky local restaurant can step in for outdoor gatherings if you need a quick switch.
If you’re hosting something in your backyard, try renting a tent or canopy. Sure, it won’t stop lightning, but it’ll keep your guests dry if there’s a drizzle, or give them a break from the blazing sun.
Traveling somewhere? Take a look at what your lodging offers. Indoor pools, a gym, or maybe some kind of entertainment area can save the day if a storm rolls in and keeps you stuck inside.
When you’re planning family activities, let everyone know about your backup plan ahead of time. People appreciate a heads-up, and honestly, it makes things less stressful if the weather decides not to play nice.
Staying flexible helps you roll with whatever comes your way. Isn’t that the best way to keep things fun?