James Spann: Periods of rain for Alabama through early next week

RADAR CHECK: A large mass of rain and a few thunderstorms are over southwest Alabama this afternoon as a hybrid low over the Gulf moves inland. Most of north Alabama is dry, with only isolated showers; temperatures are mostly in the 70s. Rain will spread northward tonight with a cloudy sky; temperatures will fall into the 60s.

THE WEEKEND: An upper trough will remain positioned west of Alabama over the weekend, and we will forecast periods of rain Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The weekend won’t be a total washout, and the sun will peek out at times. But if you have something planned outdoors, it will rain at times. Some thunder is possible, and the Storm Prediction Center has parts of south and west Alabama in a marginal risk Sunday afternoon for the potential of small hail and gusty winds. Highs will be between 67 and 74 degrees Saturday and in the 70s Sunday.

Rain amounts between now and Monday will be 2-3 inches for much of the state and a bit lower over the Tennessee Valley, with 1-2 inches there.

REST OF NEXT WEEK: We will maintain some risk of showers on Tuesday, especially over the northern half of Alabama. Then, an upper ridge develops over the region that will bring dry, much warmer weather over the latter half of the week. Most places will reach the low 90s by next Friday for a good preview of summer.

ON THIS DATE IN 1933: An estimated F4 tornado moved through Monroe, Cumberland and Russell counties in Kentucky along a 60-mile path. The town of Tompkinsville was the hardest hit, with 18 people killed. Overall, 36 people lost their lives.

ON THIS DATE IN 1995: An F3 tornado produced $10 million in damages along its 40-mile path across central Illinois. The tornado caused significant damage in Cantrall, where three homes were destroyed, 10 had significant damage and 11 had minor damage. The roof and interior of a grade school sustained extensive damage. The tornado passed about 2 miles southeast of the new National Weather Service office in Lincoln, Illinois.

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