James Spann: Rain and storms continue overnight in Alabama; much colder Sunday

RADAR CHECK: Large areas of rain along with a few thunderstorms are moving across Alabama this afternoon. The northwest and southeast corners of the state are dry; in fact Dothan has reached 80 degrees this afternoon with a mostly sunny sky.

By tomorrow afternoon, storm totals across much of Alabama will be in the 2-3 inch range. A flood watch remains in effect through midday tomorrow for areas north of a line from Sweetwater to Montgomery to Opelika.

There will be some risk of strong to severe thunderstorms across parts of Central and South Alabama late tonight and tomorrow morning. With very limited instability, there is a chance we see no severe storms at all, but there is very good dynamic support from the approaching system.

*We believe the main time frame for a few severe thunderstorms will come from about midnight tonight to 8 a.m. tomorrow. After mid-morning the dynamic support will lift away from the state.

*Highest chance of severe storms will be south of I-20; the southern 2/3 of the state. We are not expecting any severe thunderstorms over North Alabama at this point.

*There could be a few isolated tornadoes overnight and early tomorrow morning. Be sure you have a way of hearing severe weather warnings in the middle of the night if they are needed.

Colder air begins to roll into North Alabama tomorrow afternoon with falling temperatures, some patchy light rain, and a brisk northwest wind. The sky will clear tomorrow night.

Sunday will be sunny and sharply colder with highs in the 40s and 50s … a freeze is likely for most of the state by daybreak Monday.

NEXT WEEK: Colder air stays in place through the week. A cold front could bring a few spotty showers Wednesday, and an upper trough could squeeze out a few sprinkles or flurries Thursday, but precipitation will be very light if we see any at all. Highs will be in the 40s and 50s, lows will be in the 20s and 30s. See the video briefing for maps, graphics and more details.

ON THIS DATE IN 1970: A cold wave was in progress across the Deep South, temperatures reached the single digits over the northern half of Alabama.

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