Latest local news, weather, high school sports in the Rio Grande Valley

Surface low pressure near the Texas panhandle is interacting with a broad area of high pressure over the Gulf of Mexico.

This interaction creates a tight pressure gradient which causes strong wind speeds.

Since wind flows from high pressure to low pressure, the clock-wise motion of high pressure will bring south-southeasterly winds to the Valley throughout the day. 

Winds will increase between 30 to 40 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph, during the mid-morning through the evening hours. 

Strong winds and on-going dry conditions have prompted the National Weather Service to issue a warning and two advisories.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. for the entire Rio Grande Valley.

A Red Flag Warning means critical fire weather conditions are occurring now or will shortly occur.

Residents are urged not to conduct any outdoor burning today.

Motorists driving off-road should avoid parking in grassy areas for an extended period of time and should also properly dispose of all smoking materials.

A Wind Advisory is in effect today from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. for the following counties:  Cameron, Willacy, Hidalgo and Kenedy.

A Wind Advisory is issued when sustained winds are forecast to be 30 to 39 mph along with frequent gusts ranging between 40 to 57 mph.

The National Weather Service advises people to move light weight items, such as lawn furniture, empty trash cans and portable basketball posts, indoors. 

Motorists should drive with caution; especially along Expressway 83. 

A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for the Laguna Madre from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m.

Strong winds and rough bay waters will prevail today for the Laguna Madre.

A Small Craft Advisory is also in effect for the coastal and offshore waters along the lower Texas coast from 7 a.m. Monday until 7 a.m. Tuesday.