James Spann: Mix of sun, storms for Alabama through the weekend

RADAR CHECK: Most of Alabama is simply hot and dry this afternoon, but isolated showers and storms have formed. Heavier storms for the next few hours will be capable of producing lots of lightning and strong, gusty winds; they will fade after sunset.

SUN AND STORMS: Thursday will feature a mix of sun and clouds with scattered showers and storms becoming more numerous. Some high-resolution models even suggest a few morning showers could cross through the state. But the stronger storms will come during the afternoon and evening. The chance of any one spot getting wet is 50-60%, and the high will be in the low 90s for most places.

FRIDAY AND THE WEEKEND: The upper high over the eastern half of the United States will continue to weaken, which will mean slightly lower heat levels and a higher coverage of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Highs will be between 88 and 92 degrees, and odds of any one specific location seeing an afternoon storm will rise into the 55-65% range.

NEXT WEEK: Humid summer weather continues with a continued trend of lower heat levels. Highs will be between 85 and 90 degrees most days with the typical chance of a passing shower or thunderstorm daily during the afternoons and evenings.

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 1957: Audrey reached hurricane strength; it was moving northward through the Gulf of Mexico; it would make landfall two days later near Sabine Pass and would be one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history.

ON THIS DATE IN 1967: Three F3 tornadoes crossed the Netherlands, killing seven people and producing widespread damage.

For more weather news and information from James Spann and his team, visit AlabamaWx.