RADAR CHECK: Showers and strong storms are in progress this afternoon over parts of east and south Alabama, where a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 7. Heavier storms will produce strong winds and some hail over the next few hours. Showers are more isolated over the western half of Alabama, and the southwest counties are dry and very hot, with temperatures in the mid to upper 90s. Storms fade this evening, and we are not expecting any organized thunderstorms overnight like recent nights.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Look for hot, humid weather Saturday and Sunday with a mix of sun and clouds; afternoon temperatures will rise into the mid 90s. A few scattered showers and storms will be around, mostly in the noon-to-midnight window. The chance of any one spot getting wet both days is near 40%.

NEXT WEEK: A surface front will bring a risk of scattered storms Monday. Then, drier air will slip into the northern two-thirds of the state Tuesday through Thursday; this will mean lower humidity levels and cooler nights for a few days. Morning lows will dip into the low to mid 60s early Wednesday and Thursday mornings for a hint of fall over the northern half of the state. The far southern counties will stay hot and humid, however.TROPICS: The Atlantic basin remains very quiet, and tropical storm formation is not expected through at least the next seven days.

ON THIS DATE IN 1940: A Category 2 hurricane struck the Georgia and South Carolina coast. A 13-foot storm tide was measured along the South Carolina coast, while more than 15 inches of rain fell across northern North Carolina. Significant flooding and landslides struck Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia during the system’s slow trek as a weakening tropical storm, and then as an extratropical cyclone, through the Southeast. The landslides that struck North Carolina were considered a once-in-a-century event.

ON THIS DATE IN 1999: An F2 tornado touched down in the metropolitan area of Salt Lake City. It lasted 10 minutes and killed one person, injured more than 80 people and caused more than $170 million in damages. It was the most destructive tornado in Utah’s history and awakened the state’s population to the realization that the Beehive State does experience tornadoes.

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