James Spann: Look for a few scattered showers and thunderstorms in Alabama this afternoon

SCATTERED AFTERNOON STORMS: We expect a general increase in the number of scattered showers and thunderstorms across Alabama through the rest of the week as the upper ridge weakens and the air becomes more unstable. Most, but not necessarily all, of the showers/storms will come from around noon to midnight. We note SPC has defined a “marginal risk” (level 1/5) of severe thunderstorms for a good part of Alabama this afternoon…

Heavier thunderstorms could produce strong gusty winds and small hail. We are forecasting a high today in the 90-94 degree range for most communities, then close to 90 degrees tomorrow and Friday.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Expect a mix of sun and clouds Saturday and Sunday with scattered to numerous showers and storms; the chance of any one spot getting wet is 50/60%. Not a wash-out at all, but a passing shower or storm is likely from time to time. Highs drop into 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.

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. Temperatures will fall from the low to mid 80s at kickoff into the upper 70s by the final whistle.

TROPICS: Hurricane Erin, with winds of 100 mph, is about 555 miles southwest of Bermuda this morning, and is moving north/northwest at 13 mph. Erin will pass between Bermuda and the U.S. East Coast tomorrow… 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, but any development here 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.