RADAR CHECK: A number of showers and thunderstorms have formed across North/Central Alabama this afternoon… Moving northeast…

Heavier storms are producing heavy rain; they are moving northeast, and will diminish late tonight. On the positive side, heat levels are down as expected; most communities are in the upper 80s at mid-afternoon.

TOMORROW/FRIDAY: A general weakness in the upper ridge will bring scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms across the great state of Alabama. We can’t promise rain for everybody, but most communities will see one or two good downpours. Best chance of rain comes during the afternoon and evening hours, but we can’t rule out late night or morning showers. Highs will be in the upper 80s tomorrow, and close to 90 degrees Friday afternoon.

THE WEEKEND: Not much change; a mix of sun and clouds Saturday and Sunday with scattered showers and storms, most active from 1:00 until 9:00 p.m. Highs will be in the 90-93 degree range, right at seasonal levels for late July.

NEXT WEEK: The upper ridge should strengthen early in the week, so showers and storms could become a little fewer in number Monday and Tuesday; highs will stay in the low 90s. Then, some evidence showers and storms increase again late in the week. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

TROPICS: A tropical wave now emerging off the coast of Africa has some chance of development over the next five days as it moves west/northwest. Way too early to determine if this will impact U.S. or any land area; just something to keep an eye on…

AT THE BEACH: About 7 to 9 hours of sunshine daily on the coast from Panama City Beach over to Gulf Shores through the weekend, with the usual risk of a passing storm from time to time. Highs on the immediate coast 87-90, with low to mid 90s inland. See a very detailed Gulf Coast forecast here.

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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For more weather information, visit www.alabamawx.com.