James Spann: Humid days, hot afternoons, a few showers and storms for Alabama

RADAR CHECK: Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are moving northward across Alabama this afternoon; stronger storms are producing heavy rain and lots of lightning. Away from the showers we have a mix of sun and clouds with temperatures generally between 88 and 92 degrees. Showers will end after sunset.

DOG DAYS: Our weather will be hot and humid for the foreseeable future with the usual risk of a pop-up, splash-and-dash afternoon shower or thunderstorm in a few spots. The best chance of getting a cooling shower will come from around 1 until 10 p.m.; odds for any given spot are 30-40% over the weekend. Highs will be generally in the low 90s.

The upper ridge across the southern United States will strengthen a bit next week, which should help to push afternoon highs into the mid 90s. Afternoon showers and storms next week will be isolated.

TROPICS: The Atlantic basin remains very quiet, and tropical storm formation is not expected for at least the next seven days.

ON THIS DATE IN 1966: A storm system in north central and northeast Illinois led to widespread flooding. Aurora reported 16.94 inches of rain, establishing a state record for the most rain in a single day. Other heavy totals included 13.6 inches at Joliet, 9.24 inches in Wheaton, 8.09 inches in DeKalb and 7.82 inches at Elgin. This event is often called the second most damaging weather disaster in Illinois history.

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