RADAR CHECK: Showers and thunderstorms are increasing in number and intensity across Alabama this afternoon. Where rain is falling, temperatures are in the 70s. Away from showers we are seeing mostly mid 80s with a mix of sun and clouds. We will maintain the chance of a few passing showers or storms tonight with a low in the 70s.

The unsettled weather pattern will continue across Alabama through the week as an upper trough persists just to the west, keeping the air unstable. We are forecasting scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms daily through Friday. Most, but not all, will come from noon to midnight, and with high precipitable water values, stronger storms will be very efficient rain producers.

Of course, there will be good breaks in the rain, and the sun will peek out at times. But, with generally overcast conditions daytime temperatures will remain below average, with highs in the mid 80s on most days.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: The upper ridge will try and rebuild across the region, meaning a trend toward fewer showers and storms Saturday and Sunday. The chance of any one spot seeing rain both days will be 40-50%, and with a mix of sun and clouds we expect highs between 87 and 90 degrees.

NEXT WEEK: A more typical summer pattern is the story for the week of July 29-Aug. 2, with hot, humid days and scattered, mostly afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. Highs will be generally in the low 90s.

TROPICS: The Atlantic basin remains very quiet, and tropical storm formation is not expected for at least the next seven days.

ON THIS DATE IN 1993: The levee holding back the flooding Mississippi River at Kaskaskia, Illinois, ruptured at 9:48 a.m., leaving people with no escape route other than two Army Corps of Engineers barges. By 2 p.m., the entire town was underwater.

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