HOT SUMMER DAYS: Based on climatology, the hottest part of the summer in Alabama runs from mid-July through mid-August, and right on time a building upper ridge will bring the hottest weather so far this season later this week.

Today will be another classic summer day: partly sunny, hot and humid, with “scattered, mostly afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms.” No computer model, meteorologist, app or TV station can tell you early this morning exactly when and where the airmass storms will pop up this afternoon; they will be completely random. Chance of any one spot getting wet today is about one in four, and the high will be in the low to mid 90s.

Pretty much the same story tomorrow; with afternoon temperatures up in the mid 90s.

WEDNESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY: A 5,970-meter 500 mb upper high will build over Alabama, and will push highs into the 97- to 100-degree range for most North/Central Alabama communities. The warm air aloft associated with the ridge will keep a lid on the atmosphere, with only isolated afternoon thunderstorms.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: The ridge shifts a little to the west and heat levels drop slightly, with highs in the mid 90s and a little better coverage of scattered showers and storms during the afternoon and evening hours. Partly sunny days, fair nights.

NEXT WEEK: Nothing to suggest anything but routine summer weather for the week: partly sunny, hot, humid days with afternoon showers and storms in scattered, random places. Highs generally in the low to mid 90s.

TROPICS: Dry air continues to cover much of the Atlantic basin, and tropical storm formation is not expected this week.

AT THE BEACH: About eight to 10 hours of sunshine daily on the Gulf Coast this week and over the coming weekend from Gulf Shores over to Panama City Beach, with an occasional, passing thunderstorm. Highs 87-90 on the immediate coast, with mid 90s inland. The sea water temperature early this morning at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab is 86 degrees. See a detailed Gulf Coast forecast here.

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