Juneteenth celebrations are being held across Southeast Texas, but Thursday’s weather could include a scattering of afternoon downpours.

Overall, rain chances will be up-and-down as we go through the next week. Look for spotty to scattered storms on Juneteenth during the afternoon with lower rain chances returning Friday and Saturday.

While most of the day will be dry, scattered downpours or a brief thunderstorm could pop up in the afternoon, especially during peak heating. If you’re heading to outdoor events or celebrations, it’s a good idea to pack the umbrella just in case.

The local bus, METRORail, Park & Ride and curb2curb services will stay on a regular weekday schedule. The METRO HOV/HOT lanes will be open, and the customer service center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery after the U.S. Civil War, and while government buildings and financial markets are closed, most retail stores are open.

One of America's newest federal holidays takes place Thursday, and government offices and some businesses will close their doors for a day. Juneteenth, on June 19, is a holiday that commemorates the freedom of enslaved African Americans in Texas.

Houston is observing Juneteenth as a federal holiday, with many services and businesses closing to honor the day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.