James Spann: Heavy rains likely for parts of Alabama today from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

UNSETTLED SUMMER WEATHER CONTINUES: A broad upper low is drifting westward across the Deep South, and will keep Alabama’s weather wet at times for the rest of the week. In fact, we have a few showers on radar early this morning east of Interstate-65 that are moving westward around the northern periphery of the upper low.

Each day we project the sky to be cloudy at times, with scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms. They will be most active during the afternoon and evening, but we can’t rule out some late night or morning rain.

While all parts of the state have a decent chance of seeing rain at times, model data suggests the most widespread and heaviest rain will fall over the western half of Alabama, where precipitable water values will approach three inches later today, as high as it ever gets. And, like yesterday, heavier storms could produce some isolated flooding problems.

Understand the rain won’t be continuous, and the sun should pop out at times, but just expect occasional showers and storms through the week. On the positive side, heat levels are down, with most places seeing highs in the upper 80s.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Not much change; a limited amount of sunshine both days with scattered to numerous showers and storms, especially during the afternoon and evening. Highs will be in the 87- to 90-degree range, which is below average for mid August in Alabama.

NEXT WEEK: The upper high begins to slowly rebuild across the region, meaning heat levels creeping up, and fewer showers and thunderstorms.

AT THE BEACH: Only about one to three hours of sunshine each day through Friday from Panama City Beach over to Gulf Shores, with occasional showers and thunderstorms. Showers and storms will thin out a bit by the weekend; highs will be mostly in the upper 80s. See a detailed Gulf Coast forecast here.

TROPICS: All remains quiet across the Atlantic basin, and tropical storm formation is not expected through the week.

WEATHER BRAINS: You can listen to our weekly 90-minute netcast anytime on the web, or on iTunes. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including meteorologists at ABC 33/40. We recorded a new episode last night.

CONNECT: You can find me on all of the major social networks:

Facebook
Twitter
Google Plus
Instagram

For more weather news and information, visit AlabamaWX.