CLASSIC SUMMER DAY: This is just what we expect in Alabama in late July — a hot, humid afternoon with random, slow-moving, scattered showers and storms across the state. Temperatures are generally between 89 and 94 degrees, but where rain is falling we are seeing upper 70s. Scattered storms end after sunset, and the sky becomes mostly fair late tonight.The weather won’t change much through Thursday. Expect partly sunny, hot, humid days with the risk of an afternoon shower or storm in a few spots. Highs will remain generally in the low to mid 90s.

FRIDAY AND THE WEEKEND: We should see an increase in the number of showers and thunderstorms over the northern half of the state Friday through Sunday thanks to a stalled surface front just to the north over Tennessee. Of course, it never rains everywhere this time of the year unless a tropical system is involved, but most places should see several good downpours. Otherwise, look for a mix of sun and clouds with highs between 88 and 92 degrees.

NEXT WEEK: We will continue to broad brush the forecast with classic summer weather conditions next week — partly sunny, hot, muggy days with random, scattered, mostly afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. Highs will be mostly in the low 90s, right at seasonal averages for early August.

TROPICS: Again the vast Atlantic basin is very quiet, and tropical storm formation is not expected this week. But the peak of the season comes in August, September and early October. Most tropical outlooks still suggest an active season.

ON THIS DATE IN 1936: Lincoln, Nebraska, saw an all-time high temperature of 115 degrees. The low only dropped to 91 degrees and the average temperature was 103. Many people spent the night sleeping outside to escape the heat.

ON THIS DATE IN 2005: The residents of Sand Point, Alaska, saw a rare tornado touchdown on two uninhabited islands. Sand Point is part of the Aleutian Chain and is about 570 miles southwest of Anchorage.

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

For more weather news and information from James Spann and his team, visit AlabamaWx.