RADAR CHECK: We have a few small, isolated showers across Alabama this afternoon moving southward. But most of the state is dry with temperatures generally in the low to mid 90s. Showers will end this evening; tonight will be mostly fair with a low in the 70s.

An approaching surface front will bring the chance of scattered storms statewide Friday and Saturday. While it won’t rain everywhere, where storms do develop, they could be heavy, with strong, gusty winds. The Storm Prediction Center has defined a marginal risk (level 1 out of 5) of severe thunderstorms for the northern third of the state Friday and for the northern two-thirds Saturday. Stronger storms will come mainly during the afternoons and evenings; odds of any one spot seeing rain both days are 40-50%.

Drier air begins to move in Sunday; any scattered showers or storms will likely be over the southern half of Alabama. Highs will be mostly in the low 90s Friday through the weekend.

NEXT WEEK: A refreshing air mass is forecast to drop into the Deep South next week. Highs will drop into the 80s over the northern counties of Alabama Monday through Thursday, with lows well down in the 60s. Cooler spots will likely see 50s by Tuesday and Wednesday mornings for a nice preview of fall. Most of the week will be dry.

TROPICS: Hurricane Ernesto is in the Atlantic with winds of 85 mph this afternoon, centered about 550 miles south/southwest of Bermuda. A hurricane warning has been issued for Bermuda; it will be close to the island Saturday.

Ernesto is no threat to the U.S., and the rest of the Atlantic basin remains quiet.

ON THIS DATE IN 1983: Hurricane Alicia formed and was the costliest tropical cyclone in the Atlantic since Hurricane Agnes in 1972. It struck Galveston and Houston, Texas, directly, causing $2.6 billion in damage (in 1983 U.S. dollars) and killing 21 people. This storm was the worst Texas hurricane since Hurricane Carla in 1961.

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