RADAR CHECK: Another day with a random pattern of scattered showers and storms across Alabama… slowly moving northeast…

Temperatures are in the low 90s, right at seasonal levels for mid-August in Alabama.

TOMORROW/FRIDAY: The upper ridge over the region will weaken a bit, and we expect to see an increase in the number of scattered showers and thunderstorms. It won’t rain everywhere, but most communities will see a decent downpour or two with a mix of sun and clouds both days. Highs will be close to 90 tomorrow, with mid to upper 80s Friday.

THE WEEKEND: The sky will be cloudy at times Saturday and Sunday, with scattered to numerous showers and storms both days. Not sure I would call it a “rainy weekend”, but just be ready for some rain at times if you have something planned outdoors. Highs will be in the 85-88 degree range.

NEXT WEEK: The trend continues on global models, suggesting drier air will actually work down into the northern half of Alabama Monday and Tuesday with lower humidity and cooler nights; some of the cooler pockets could actually see upper 50s early Tuesday with a touch of fall in the air. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

AT THE BEACH: About 7 to 9 hours of sunshine daily through the weekend for the coast from Gulf Shores eastward to Panama City Beach with widely scattered showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80s on the immediate coast, with low 90s inland. See a very detailed Gulf Coast forecast here.

FIONA FORMS: Tropical depression six has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Fiona in the Central Atlantic… it will be gaining latitude in coming days, and it no threat to the U.S… and probably no threat to land.

The rest of the Atlantic basin is quiet, although we will need to monitor a series of tropical waves expected to come off the African coast through the rest of August.

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 Alabamawx.com.