gpt-5.6-terra Analysis · Jul 18, 2026
Driving is hazardous today due to repeated showers and potentially severe thunderstorms, with a Flood Watch in effect from 10 AM through late tonight. Heavy rain may rapidly cause flash flooding, especially in low-lying, urban, and poor-drainage areas; smoke may also reduce visibility.
- 01 Flood Watch: storms may produce 2 to 3 inches of rain in 1 to 2 hours, creating a flash-flood risk through late tonight.
- 02 Rain and thunderstorm chances rise to 64% by 10 AM and 87–93% from 11 AM through 7 PM; thunderstorms remain likely through late evening.
- 03 Some storms could be severe, and southwest wind gusts may reach 26 mph during the day and 24 mph overnight.
- 04 Forecast calls for smoke/areas of smoke much of the day; no visibility measurements are provided, so the extent of driving-visibility impact is uncertain.
- 05 Rainfall totals of 0.75 to 1 inch are forecast for both daytime and nighttime periods, with locally heavier amounts possible under storms.
Avoid nonessential driving from 10 AM through late tonight, particularly during active thunderstorms or on flooded/low-lying roads. Morning: if travel is necessary, the relatively safer window is 7–8 AM, before the higher storm chances; remain alert for smoke and possible showers. Evening: no clearly safe evening window is forecast—avoid 6 PM to midnight because thunderstorms are expected/likely; if travel cannot wait, check for active warnings and do not drive through water-covered roads.