THIS AFTERNOON: We have a few high,thin cirrus clouds over the state, otherwise the sky is mostly sunny with temperatures in the mid to upper 80s. Nothing on radar.

Tomorrow will be another mostly sunny day, and we expect a high in the low 90s as heat levels begin to rise thanks to a developing upper ridge.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Saturday will feature a high between 91 and 94 degrees for most communities. The sky will be partly sunny, and with increasing moisture levels a few isolated afternoon showers could form, but the chance of any one spot getting wet is low.

Then, on Sunday, scattered showers and storms will be more numerous as the air aloft becomes a little cooler, and the air a bit more unstable. Otherwise, we will forecast a mix of sun and clouds Sunday with a high in the low 90s. The GFS model is printing a high of 92 for Birmingham Sunday afternoon, down from the mid 90s we had forecast earlier this week. Chance of any one spot seeing a passing shower or storm Sunday afternoon is about one in three.

NEXT WEEK: Moist, unstable air will cover the state, and each day we will have the chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms, most active during the afternoon and evening hours. Otherwise, partly sunny days with afternoon highs in the 88-92 degree range. Hard to determine at this point which day will have the highest coverage of showers and storms. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

AT THE BEACH: We expect about 7 to 9 hours of sunshine tomorrow through the weekend, but keep in mind a passing shower or storm is possible from time to time from Gulf Shores over to Panama City Beach. Highs will be in the 80s on the immediate coast, with low 90s inland. See a very detailed Gulf Coast forecast here.

TROPICS: The Atlantic basin is quiet, and tropical storm formation is not expected through early next week.

AIR QUALITY ALERT: Another code orange air quality alert is up for the Birmingham metro tomorrow (Jefferson and Shelby Counties)…Air Quality Alert Day Tips for Birmingham: Limit vehicle idling, bring lunch to work or walk to lunch, refuel vehicle after dusk.

WEATHER BRAINS: Don’t forget 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 our meteorologists here at ABC 33/40.

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