James Spann: The latest on Alabama’s rain chances, temperatures and Tropical Storm Gabrielle

RADAR CHECK: We have a few small, isolated showers and thunderstorms across mainly the northern half of Alabama this afternoon. A few spots are getting some decent rain, but most of the state remains dry. Away from the showers the sky is partly to mostly sunny with temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s. The isolated showers will end quickly after sunset; the sky will be fair tonight with a low in the 60s.

Alabama’s weather won’t change much through the weekend. Partly to mostly sunny days, fair pleasant nights and just a handful of small, isolated showers/storms from time to time. The chance of any one spot seeing rain daily is 10-20%, and highs will remain in the upper 80s/low 90s for most communities. Morning lows remain in the 60s.

There is some evidence moisture levels will be a little higher next week with some risk of scattered showers daily, but we still see no sign of any widespread, soaking rain for the next 7-10 days. Highs next week will be in the mid to upper 80s … See the video briefing for maps, graphics and more details.

TROPICS: Tropical Storm Gabrielle has formed in the Atlantic between the Lesser Antilles and Africa; winds are 45 mph. Little strengthening is anticipated over the next 48 hours as Gabrielle faces an unfavorable shear environment from an upper-level trough and a possible center re-formation, and the forecast intensity remains nearly steady through Friday. By this weekend, a more conducive environment is anticipated, which should allow for gradual intensification. Gabrielle could reach hurricane strength by Sunday; it will turn north, and then northeast well east of the U.S. It might be close to Bermuda by the middle of next week, otherwise it will remain far from land.

Two tropical waves will follow Gabrielle in the eastern Atlantic over the next few days, but models suggest both will remain weak and disorganized; NHC gives both only a 20% chance of development.

No tropical storms or hurricanes are expected across the Gulf for at least the next 7-10 days.

FOOTBALL WEATHER: Auburn travels to Norman to take on Oklahoma Saturday (2:30 p.m. kickoff) … the sky will be partly sunny, and there is a small risk of a shower during the game. Temperatures will be in the mid to upper 80s.

Jacksonville State hosts Murray State Saturday evening (6 p.m. kickoff) … just a very small risk of a shower early in the game, otherwise mostly fair with temperatures falling from the mid 80s at kickoff, into the 70s during the second half.

South Alabama hosts Coastal Carolina Saturday evening (6 p.m. kickoff). The sky will be mostly clear with temperatures falling from the upper 80s at kickoff, into the 70s by the fourth quarter.

ON THIS DATE IN 1989: Hurricane Hugo hit the Virgin Islands, producing wind gusts to 97 mph at Saint Croix. Hurricane Hugo passed directly over the island of Saint Croix causing complete devastation and essentially cutting off the island from communications. A storm surge of five to seven feet occurred at Saint Croix. The only rain gauge left operating, at Caneel Bay, indicated 9.40 inches in 24 hours. Hurricane Hugo claimed the lives of three persons at Saint Croix and caused more than 500 million dollars damage.

ON THIS DATE IN 2004: The remnants of Hurricane Ivan submerged Pittsburgh in 5.95 inches of rain in one day. That is the most rainfall Pittsburgh has seen in a 24-hour period since records began in 1876.

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