James Spann: Strong storms over parts of north, central Alabama

RADAR CHECK: A band of strong thunderstorms is lined up from northern Bibb County, around West Blocton, through the Birmingham metro, then to near Gadsden and Weiss Lake at midafternoon. These storms are producing heavy rain, gusty winds and lots of lightning. They are moving slowly to the east/southeast and will slowly diminish after sunset.Away from the storms, most of the sun this afternoon is over the southern half of the state, where temperatures have reached the low 90s.
REST OF THE WEEK: We will forecast a mix of sun and clouds daily Tuesday through Friday, with scattered showers and thunderstorms possible each day, mostly from about 2 until 10 p.m. As usual, the storms will be very random, and it won’t rain everywhere. Odds of any one spot getting wet each day will be 35-45%. The highs will be between 87 and 92 degrees Tuesday and mostly in the low 90s Wednesday through Friday.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: The upper high will build over the region, meaning showers and storms over the weekend should be few in number. Expect partly to mostly sunny days, fair nights and highs in the mid 90s.
NEXT WEEK: The upper high will stay pretty much right on top of us through much of next week, meaning hot and mostly dry weather conditions for the state with only isolated afternoon storms. Highs will be mostly in the mid 90s.TROPICS: Again today the Atlantic basin is very quiet, and tropical storm formation is not expected through the week. The peak of the season comes in August, September and early October.
ON THIS DATE IN 1996: Heavy rain in north central and northeast Illinois led to widespread flooding. Aurora reported 16.94 inches of rain, establishing a state record for the most rain in a single day. Other heavy totals included 13.6 inches at Joliet, 9.24 inches in Wheaton, 8.09 inches in DeKalb and 7.82 inches at Elgin. This event is often called “the second most damaging weather disaster in Illinois history.”
BEACH FORECAST: Click here to see the AlabamaWx Beach Forecast Center page.
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