James Spann: Scattered to numerous showers, storms for Alabama through midweek

RADAR CHECK: We have some light rain moving into northwest Alabama this afternoon along with a few spotty showers over the southern counties. But a decent part of the state is dry on this Memorial Day with temperatures ranging from the mid 70s across the Tennessee Valley to the low 90s at Dothan.

A line of strong to severe thunderstorms is along I-55 in Mississippi at midafternoon and will roll into Alabama later this afternoon and tonight. The highest risk of storms reaching severe limits is over the southern half of the state, where strong, gusty winds are possible along with some small hail.

REST OF THE WEEK: The weather won’t change much through the week — partly sunny days with highs in the 80s, and on each day scattered to numerous showers and storms. Heavier storms will be capable of producing gusty winds and small hail; there are no tornado concerns with the forecast wind profiles. A cold front will push through Friday; drier air will begin to move into the northern counties during the day with a high in the upper 70s.

THE WEEKEND: For now, the weather looks rain-free for a change Saturday and at least part of the day Sunday. Humidity will be lower; cooler spots over north Alabama should reach the 50s early Saturday morning. Highs will be mostly in the low 80s. Global models suggest some rain could return late Sunday afternoon and Sunday night.

HURRICANE SEASON ALMOST HERE: The Atlantic hurricane season begins Sunday, June 1, and will continue through the end of November. Most major hurricanes come in August, September and early October. For now, the tropics are very quiet, and no preseason action is expected this week.

ON THIS DATE IN 1917: A major tornadic thunderstorm took a 293-mile track across parts of central Illinois and Indiana. It was once believed to be a single tornado, but later study indicated it was likely at least eight separate tornadoes. Overall, 101 people in Illinois were killed during the outbreak, with 638 injured.

ON THIS DATE IN 2003: A BMI Airbus bound for Cyprus from Manchester, England, encountered a violent thunderstorm over Germany. The plane bounced and twisted violently as it ran into severe turbulence with huge hailstones pounding the exterior. A football-sized hole was punched in the aircraft’s surface. None of the 213 passengers or eight crew members was seriously hurt.

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