James Spann: Showers thin out later this week across Alabama

RADAR CHECK: As expected, we have scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms across Alabama this afternoon with deep moisture in place. Temperatures remain below average; most communities are in the 80s, with 70s where rain is falling.

Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms will continue through tomorrow. It won’t rain all day, and it won’t rain everywhere, but most places stand a good chance of seeing a passing shower or two. With more clouds than sun temperatures will stay below average with highs in the mid to upper 80s for most places.

Showers and storms will become fewer in number by Thursday and Friday, by the weekend afternoon showers will be few and far between as an upper ridge builds across the Deep South. Heat levels will rise a bit with highs in the low 90s in most places; parts of South Alabama could see mid 90s.

NEXT WEEK: For now we expect routine summer weather. Partly sunny days and the daily round of random, scattered, mostly afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. Highs will be in the low 90s for the first half of the week, and between 86 and 90 by Thursday and Friday. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.

TROPICS: Tropical Storm Erin, with winds of 45 mph, is in the eastern Atlantic moving to the west at 20 mph. No change in the forecast thinking; Erin becomes a hurricane later this week; it will pass north of the Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico, and then turn north into the open Atlantic most likely before reaching the Bahamas. We note NHC brings Erin up to major hurricane intensity by the weekend with winds of 115 mph.

The rest of the Atlantic basin is quiet, and no tropical storms or hurricanes are expected near the Gulf for at least the next seven days.

ON THIS DATE IN 1955: Hurricane Connie made landfall near Fort Macon State Park in North Carolina at category two strength. Four people were killed in Washington, D.C., due to a traffic accident caused by slick roads. In Chesapeake Bay, Connie capsized a boat, killing 14 people and prompting a change in Coast Guard regulations. There were six deaths each in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and 14 deaths in New York, where record rainfall flooded houses and subways.

ON THIS DATE IN 2005: A tornado strikes Wright, Wyoming, a coal-mining community, killing two and destroying 91 homes and damaging about 30 more in around the town.

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