James Spann: Scattered showers, storms across Alabama end after sunset

RADAR CHECK: As we expect in July, we have random, scattered showers and thunderstorms across Alabama this afternoon. Heavier storms are producing strong wind gusts, heavy rain and lots of lightning. Away from storms, temperatures are in the upper 80s and low 90s with a mix of sun and clouds. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will end quickly after sunset.

REST OF THE WEEK: We might see a little increase in the number of afternoon showers and thunderstorms Thursday and Friday as the air will be a little more unstable, but the overall pattern won’t change much through the weekend. This is just what we expect in summer around here: hot, humid days with morning sun and random, scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening.

This time of the year there is the risk of a pop-up shower or storm every afternoon, but there is no way to know in advance exactly when and where they form. If you have an outdoor event, you simply have to watch radar trends. The primary window for scattered showers and storms is roughly from 1 until 10 p.m. And any summer storm can be pretty healthy, with gusty winds and heavy rain. Lightning is always the biggest concern.

The chance of any one spot getting rain is 50-60% Thursday and Friday. Odds will come down a bit over the weekend as the air will be a tad more stable by then with warmer air aloft.

Afternoon highs will be between 88 and 92 degrees through Friday, followed by low to mid 90s over the weekend. This classic summer pattern won’t change much into next week.

TROPICS: The Atlantic basin remains very calm. No tropical storms or hurricanes are expected for at least the next seven days.

ON THIS DATE IN 1979: Hurricane Bob was born in the Gulf of Mexico, becoming the first Atlantic hurricane to be given a male name.

ON THIS DATE IN 1980: Birmingham’s high was 98 degrees; it would be the last time below 100 until July 18. The great heat wave of 1980 brought triple-digit heat to the city for eight consecutive days, peaking at 106 on July 13. In July alone, there were an estimated 120 heat-related deaths along with the loss of more than 200,000 chickens and half the state’s corn crop.

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