Rain chances increase for Houston

• Yes, but: Rainfall rates have been above average so far this year, bolstered by storms in mid-January and early February, according to the National Weather Service.

Driving the news: Much of Southeast Texas can expect thunderstorms and rains starting Thursday afternoon, meteorologists say.

Threat level: Most of the severe weather, including large hail and gusty winds, will remain well north of the city, according to meteorologists.

• Communities from College Station to Huntsville are under a marginal risk for severe weather, the first out of five in terms of severe weather threat.

What's next: Showers could linger into Friday and the weekend, which has a 50% chance of thunderstorms through Sunday.

• Monday will likely be the first rain-free day in some time, with partly sunny skies and a projected high in the upper 60s.