RADAR CHECK: A band of heavy thunderstorms is pushing southward through north Alabama this afternoon ahead of a surface front. Stronger storms are capable of producing hail and strong winds; a few severe thunderstorm warnings have been required. These storms will fade after sunset as they move into central Alabama. Away from the storms it is another hot afternoon, with temperatures in the 90s.THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: A few isolated storms are possible across southwest Alabama Saturday. Otherwise look for sunny days, lower humidity and a very pleasant morning early Sunday — cooler spots could reach the 50s around daybreak. Highs will be mostly in the low 90s.

NEXT WEEK: Heat levels rise again, and afternoon highs will be close to 100 degrees over the latter half of the week. Afternoon showers and storms will be scarce.

TROPICS: Showers and thunderstorms remain disorganized in association with a trough of low pressure over the northwestern Caribbean Sea. Some slow development of this system is possible before it moves inland over northern Central America and the Yucatan Peninsula tonight or on Saturday. Regardless of development, locally heavy rainfall is possible over Honduras, Belize, northern Guatemala and southeastern Mexico through the weekend.

The rest of the Atlantic basin, including the Gulf of Mexico, is very quiet.

ON THIS DATE IN 1946: The third-deadliest tornado in Canadian history struck southwestern Ontario from Windsor to Tecumseh. Seventeen people were killed and hundreds injured. Damage was conservatively estimated at $1.5 million.

BEACH FORECAST: Click here to see the AlabamaWx Beach Forecast Center page.

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