THIS WEEKEND: We’ll have scattered showers and storms possible to start off Saturday, but storms will begin to move in by midday and quickly move southeast through central Alabama throughout the afternoon and into the early evening. Some of these storms may become strong with gusty winds. The Storm Prediction Center has a marginal risk up for locations along and west of a line from Florence to Blountsville to Alexander City to Pike Road for the threat of damaging winds up to 60 mph. Heavier storms may produce some localized flooding as well. There is the potential for another round of storms to move in during the evening and late night, but these will be weakening as the air will be worked over. Highs will be in the lower 80s to the lower 90s.

Scattered showers and storms will be possible for the northern half of the state Sunday, with higher chances over the southern half. Highs will be in the upper 80s to the lower 90s.

THE WORK WEEK AHEAD: Ridging will take over the weather pattern to start off the work week. Monday will be mostly sunny with plenty of heat and only a very small chance of showers and storms over southeastern Alabama. Highs will be in the lower to mid-90s. Tuesday will be a dry day with tons of sunshine. Highs will be in the lower to mid-90s.

On Wednesday the ridging starts to weaken, which will bring a chance of scattered showers and storms back into the forecast during the afternoon to early evening. Highs will be in the upper 80s to the lower 90s. We don’t expect much change for Thursday and Friday. There will be a good bit of sun to start each day with scattered showers and storms forming during the main heating of the day. Highs will be in the upper 80s to the lower 90s both days.

TROPICS: As of the 4 a.m. update, Henri remained a strong tropical storm with maximum sustained winds at 70 mph and was around 195 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Henri is expected to become a hurricane later this morning. The forecast track takes the center northward with an expected landfall on Long Island close to midday Sunday as a Category 1 hurricane. Dangerous storm surge is expected to start tonight from New Jersey to Cape Cod Bay. Surge heights could reach as high as 5 feet in some locations. Hurricane conditions are expected to begin tonight in those same regions, along with the threat of flooding due to the heavy rains. Deadly rip currents will continue to be likely along the east coast throughout the weekend.

Also, Hurricane Grace moved onshore around midnight near Tecolutla, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds at 125 mph. It had weakened to 110 mph as of the 4 a.m. update, but hurricane conditions with dangerous storm surge will continue for the next several hours from Puerto Veracruz to Cabo Rojo. Heavy rains will lead to significant flooding and the potential for mudslides in the mountainous regions in the area.

For more weather news and information from James Spann, Scott Martin and other members of the James Spann team, visit AlabamaWx.