RADAR CHECK: We have scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms across Alabama this afternoon; some are producing torrential rain, strong winds and lots of lightning. A few lingering showers are possible through the night; lows will be in the 70s.

REST OF THE WEEK AND THE WEEKEND: We are forecasting more clouds than sun with a good chance of occasional showers and thunderstorms each day. Highs will be only in the mid 80s for most places, well below average for mid to late July in Alabama. Most, but not all, of the showers and thunderstorms will come from noon to midnight. Like recent days, stronger storms will be capable of producing heavy rain, strong, gusty winds and lots of lightning.

NEXT WEEK: The unsettled pattern continues with a very moist, unstable air mass in place. A number of showers and storms will be around each day, especially during the afternoons and evenings. Rain amounts across Alabama will average 2-4 inches over the next seven days, very beneficial rain for midsummer. Daytime temperatures will remain well below average, with highs in the 80s.

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 1981: Severe thunderstorm winds ripped a 10,000-square-foot hole in a 90-foot-high pavilion at Sea World in Orlando. The storm panicked a crowd of 550 tourists. One death occurred due to injury and heart attack, and 15 people were injured. The canopy was made of fiberglass and Teflon, designed to withstand 120 mph winds.

ON THIS DATE IN 1987: Slow-moving thunderstorms caused flooding on the Guadalupe River in Texas, resulting in tragic loss of life. A bus and van leaving a youth summer camp stalled near the rapidly rising river, just west of the town of Comfort, about 50 miles northwest of San Antonio. The powerful surge of water swept away 43 people, mostly teenagers. Ten drowned in the floodwaters. Most of the others were rescued from treetops by helicopter.

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