A little drizzle didn’t stop rodeo fans from heading out to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on Saturday, as many people tried to make the most of the day before storms potentially move into the area later tonight.
Light rain now, stronger storms later
Light rain has popped up off and on throughout the afternoon, but the stronger storms aren’t expected until around 7 or 8 p.m. That timing means people heading to the rodeo concert should largely avoid the worst of the weather.
Fans who plan to stay afterward for the carnival, wine garden, or the Hideout may run into thunderstorms, though forecasters say conditions should clear after 9 p.m.
Fans keeping their rodeo plans
Despite the forecast, many rodeo-goers said they weren’t about to let the possibility of rain ruin their plans.
“Yeah, definitely. We looked at it and we thought it was supposed to come until 6 and then 7. It’s kind of just been moving down in the timeline,” said rodeo fan Valerie Burton. “So we were really happy to get here mid-afternoon and still have a clear day.”
Others said they came prepared for whatever weather might come their way.
“So I did hear about the potential weather, and of course it raises a few concerns, but this Texas nature that we have, you know, we just go hard or go home, so we’re just going to go hard,” said Amanda Crane, who was attending the rodeo Saturday afternoon.
Plenty of indoor options
Many visitors also pointed out there are plenty of indoor activities at the rodeo grounds where they can wait out any storms, including livestock barns, shopping areas, and the popular birthing center where visitors can watch farm animals being born.
For some, the rain is just part of the experience.
“If it rains, it was meant to rain. Rain is a blessing just like sunshine,” said Jonathan Chapman with Winn Church. “We’re going to have fun with it.”
Weather expected to clear tonight
Forecasters say storms could move through the Houston area between about 7 and 8 p.m., but the weather is expected to improve later in the evening — giving rodeo fans another chance to enjoy the grounds before they close around midnight.