FRIDAY THROUGH THE WEEKEND: We’ll be hot with mostly sunny skies throughout the day today. There is a very small risk of a shower, but nearly everyone should remain dry. Highs will be in the lower to mid 90s.

Rain chances will be a little higher Saturday, especially in the late afternoon through the evening as scattered showers and storms fire up. Highs will be in the lower to mid 90s.

Strong ridging over the Atlantic will bring an uptick to the scattered shower and thunderstorm chances from Sunday afternoon through predawn Monday; however, not everyone will see rain. Highs will be in the upper 80s to the mid 90s.

NEXT WEEK: Rain chances will stay elevated Monday as a weak trough moves westward through the state. Scattered afternoon showers and storms will be possible. Highs will be in the upper 80s to the lower 90s.

We’ll continue to have a good chance of scattered afternoon showers and storms Tuesday as the trough continues to slowly move through. Highs will be in the mid 80s to the lower 90s.

Another trough will make its effects known over northern Alabama Wednesday. That will keep a good chance of scattered afternoon showers and storms possible, while the rest of the state will have smaller rain chances. Highs will be in the mid 80s to the lower 90s.

On Thursday a front associated with that trough may slide close enough to enhance our scattered shower and storm chances during the late afternoon through the evening. Highs will be in the mid 80s to the lower 90s.

TROPICS: All remains calm across the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea and the tropical Atlantic Ocean, and no new tropical systems are expected to form over the next five days.

For more weather news and information from James Spann, Scott Martin and other members of the James Spann team, visit AlabamaWx.