SATURDAY’S WEATHER: The ridging has broken down and moist southern air now flows across Alabama. We’ll start off with some clouds, and scattered to numerous showers and storms will fire up during the late afternoon through the evening, with the highest coverage over the southern half of the state. A few storms may be strong, with gusty winds and small hail. Highs will be in the upper 80s to the lower 90s.

HOW ABOUT SUNDAY?: A cold front will work into Alabama Sunday that will bring numerous showers and storms, mainly from midday through the evening. A few storms over the western half may become strong to severe, with gusty winds and hail. Highs will be in the upper 70s to the upper 80s.

THE WORK WEEK AHEAD: A moist and unstable air mass will continue over Alabama on Monday that will keep shower and thunderstorm chances elevated. Highs will be in the upper 70s to the lower 80s. Same story Tuesday and Wednesday: Scattered showers and storms can be expected during the afternoon and evening, with highs in the 80s.

Another cold front will work through the state Thursday, bringing rain and thunderstorms. We may have to watch this system as stronger to severe storms may be possible, but it is too early to be specific. Highs will be in the mid 70s to the mid 80s. After the front moves through, Friday looks much drier, with mostly sunny skies and highs in the mid 70s to the lower 80s.

ON THIS DATE IN 1860: A swarm of tornadoes occurred in the Ohio Valley. Tornadoes struck the cities of Louisville, Kentucky; Cincinnati, Ohio; Chillicothe, Ohio, and Marietta, Ohio, causing $1 million damage.

BEACH FORECAST: Get the latest weather and rip current forecasts for the beaches from Dauphin Island to Panama City Beach, Florida, on our Beach Forecast Center page. There, you can select the forecast of the region you are interested in.

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