RADAR CHECK: An organized batch of rain and thunderstorms continues to push into west and north Alabama early this afternoon ahead of a short wave in the upper atmosphere. The rain will continue to progress across the state this afternoon and early tonight, mainly over the northern two-thirds of the state. Rain amounts of one-half to three-quarters of an inch are likely with no risk of severe storms.

THE WEEKEND: Most of the weekend will be dry across Alabama with highs between 80 and 85 degrees. However, we still can’t rule out a few isolated afternoon and evening showers over the northern half of the state; the chance of any one spot seeing rain both days is only 10-20%.

NEXT WEEK: The weather won’t change much through the first half of the week; showers remain scarce with highs in the 80s. A cold front late in the week could bring an increased chance of showers and storms by Thursday night and Friday. There’s still no sign of any severe thunderstorm threat for the next seven to 10 days.

RACE WEEKEND: Some rain is likely in Talladega later this afternoon and early tonight; the highest rain probabilities today will come from about 3 until 7 p.m. The weather looks generally favorable Saturday and Sunday with warm, humid days; highs will be mostly in the low 80s. Odds of rain over the weekend are low, although a brief shower can’t be completely ruled out during the afternoons and evenings.

ON THIS DATE IN 1912: An estimated F4 tornado struck Ponca City, Oklahoma. One person was killed, and 119 homes were damaged or destroyed. Dozens of oil derricks were flattened or twisted southwest of town. The tornado was reportedly visible and audible for 20 miles.

ON THIS DATE IN 2011: Tornadoes touched down across a few states west of Alabama, some of which caused significant damage in Arkansas. An intense supercell thunderstorm tracked near the Little Rock area and a tornado emergency was declared for the city of Vilonia. A large EF2 wedge tornado struck the town, causing severe damage and killing four people. A strong EF3 tornado had also struck the Hot Springs Village area earlier that evening; that tornado caused severe damage and resulted in one death.

This was the beginning of the “Superoutbreak” of tornadoes April 25-28, 2011; a total of 360 tornadoes touched down, killing 324 people. Alabama’s big day would come on April 27.

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