James Spann: Rain at times across Alabama through early next week

UNSETTLED PATTERN: Again this morning we have some fog; a dense fog advisory is in effect for the northern quarter of the state. The fog will dissipate later this morning; otherwise, we expect a mix of sun and clouds today with a few scattered showers and storms this afternoon and tonight. The highest coverage will be over south Alabama, and a few strong storms could develop there. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has a marginal risk (level 1 out of 5) of severe thunderstorms defined for the southern counties due to the potential of small hail and strong, gusty winds.

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 SPC 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 on Sunday.

Rain amounts between now and Monday will be 2-3 inches for much of the state; amounts will be 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 and 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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