James Spann: Alabama could see strong storms in spots this evening

RADAR CHECK: Scattered showers and thunderstorms continue to develop across Alabama this afternoon. Heavier storms are producing strong wind gusts and heavy rain; parts of Madison County are under a flash flood warning. Storms are moving slowly southward, and will slowly fade late tonight.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms remain possible tomorrow and Friday, but they will be more numerous over the southern half of the state. Heat levels continue to slowly fall with highs close to 90 both days. Most of the showers will come from around noon to midnight.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Expect a mix of sun and clouds Saturday and Sunday with scattered showers and storms; the chance of any one spot getting wet both days is 50/60%. Not a wash-out at all, but a passing shower or storm is likely from time to time. Expect highs in the 88-92 degree range.

COOL CHANGE: A significant airmass change is likely early next week as drier continental air drops into the Deep South. This will bring lower humidity and cooler nights to Alabama, highs through the week will be mostly in the 80s with lows well down in the 60s. Cooler spots could dip into the 50s early Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Most of the week is looking dry … See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.

FOOTBALL WEATHER: For high school games across Alabama Friday night, a few stadiums could experience a passing shower or thunderstorm, especially during the first half, and over the southern half of the state. Temperatures will fall from the mid 80s at kickoff into the upper 70s by the final whistle.

TROPICS: Hurricane Erin, with winds of 110 mph, is about 530 miles west of Bermuda this afternoon, and is moving north at 13 mph. Erin will pass between Bermuda and the U.S. East Coast tonight and tomorrow morning… from there it accelerates into the cooler water of the North Atlantic and becomes post tropical this weekend.

Erin is expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip currents along the beaches of the Bahamas, much of the east coast of the U.S., Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada during the next several days. Beachgoers in those areas should follow advice from lifeguards, local authorities, and beach warning flags.

A tropical wave in the central Atlantic has a 60% chance of development, but it will turn north into the open Atlantic and is no threat to land. And another tropical wave is in the eastern Atlantic, development is possible but it will be short lived.

No tropical storms or hurricanes are expected across the Gulf for the rest of August.

ON THIS DATE IN 2023: Hilary made landfall as a tropical storm in a sparsely populated region of northwestern Mexico in the state of Baja California, with sustained winds estimated at 60 mph. The storm left behind flooded roads, mudslides and downed trees in the Baja California peninsula and in Southern California. The floods killed one person in San Bernardino County, California.

For more weather news and information from James Spann and his team, visit the Alabama Weather Network.