BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Brownsville picked up more than twice its normal November rainfall in a single day. The city measured 3.65 inches of rain on Sunday November 8, making it the 2nd wettest November day since records began in 1878. Just eight days into the month, this November already ranks as the 4th wettest on record.
Key Numbers at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Brownsville rainfall Sunday | 3.65 inches |
| Rank | 2nd wettest November day since 1878 |
| Wettest November day on record | 4.08 inches in 1986 |
| Old record for November 8 | 2.74 inches on Saturday November 8, 1930 |
| McAllen rainfall Sunday | 1.75 inches, also a record |
| Brownsville November total so far | 5.80 inches, already 4th wettest |
| Daily records broken | 2 in 3 days, beating marks from 1899 and 1930 |
Where It Is Hitting
The heaviest rain fell across the Rio Grande Valley in deep South Texas:
- Brownsville took the biggest hit, with rain totals near the city reaching into the deep red and purple colors on radar.
- McAllen recorded 1.75 inches, setting its own daily record for the date.
- Areas closer to the Gulf Coast and the lower Rio Grande saw some of the heaviest bands of rain.
- Inland parts of the Valley saw lighter totals, mostly under 1 inch.
The rain map covers the 24 hours ending at 5:00 PM CST Sunday, combining radar and rain gauge data.
When It Happened
- Saturday into Sunday: Rounds of rain moved across the Rio Grande Valley.
- Sunday November 8: The heaviest rain fell, pushing Brownsville to 3.65 inches by 5:00 PM CST.
- Over 3 days: Brownsville broke 2 daily rain records, beating marks that had stood since 1899 and 1930.
Why This Is Happening
Deep South Texas sits close to the Gulf of Mexico, where warm water can feed moisture into passing storms. When that moisture gets lifted by a weather system, it can fall as heavy rain in a short time. Storms that move slowly or repeatedly track over the same area can quickly add up to big totals.
This fall has been unusually wet in many parts of the country, with record rain in places like Florida’s Space Coast and flooding across the Southwest. Brownsville’s soaking adds to that list.
Putting the Numbers in Perspective
Brownsville normally gets less than 2 inches of rain for the entire month of November, based on the city getting more than twice its normal monthly amount on Sunday alone. With 5.80 inches already this month, the city has a shot at climbing even higher in the rankings if more rain falls before November ends.
Only one November day in nearly 150 years has been wetter: 4.08 inches in 1986.
What This Means for You
Heavy rain in a short time can overwhelm drainage systems, especially in flat areas like the Rio Grande Valley. Streets, intersections and low-lying neighborhoods may flood quickly. Ditches and canals can also fill up and take time to drain.
Farmers in the Valley may see some benefit from the moisture, but too much rain at once can flood fields and delay harvest work.
How to Stay Safe
- Never drive through flooded streets, since water may be deeper than it looks.
- Stay away from canals and drainage ditches, which can run fast after heavy rain.
- Clear storm drains near your home to help water flow away.
- Watch for standing water, which can attract mosquitoes in warm weather.
- Keep weather alerts turned on in case more heavy rain moves in.
- Report flooded roads to local officials so others can avoid them.
Boxingessential.com will continue tracking heavy rain and record rainfall across South Texas, including Brownsville and McAllen, and will provide updates as rain totals, flooding and November records develop.
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