RADAR CHECK: We’re seeing some action on radar this afternoon. Strong storms are lined up from near Athens to Reform at mid-afternoon; the stronger ones are producing heavy rain, gusty winds and some small hail.

Ahead of the storms, it is another summer-like day with temperatures in the upper 80s. Birmingham has tied the record high for Oct.  20 — 88, set in 1941.

Showers and storms will move eastward this evening and will be out of the state soon after midnight. Understand this is no “drought buster,” with most places seeing less than one-half inch of rain, but we will take whatever we can get. The intensity of the storms will fade after sunset, but hail and strong winds remain possible in the heavier storms this evening. The Storm Prediction Center maintains a “marginal” severe weather risk for areas north of Interstate 59.

BIG COOL DOWN TOMORROW: A north wind will average 12-22 mph, gusting at times to more than 25 mph, ushering in much cooler air. Despite a sunny sky, we won’t get out of the 60s, and the north wind will make it feel cooler.

THE WEEKEND: Temperatures will drop into the 38- to 43-degree range Saturday and Sunday morning. A touch of light frost is very possible across colder valleys and protected areas early Sunday, when the wind will be near calm. Expect a good supply of sunshine both days; the high tomorrow will be in the mid 60s, followed by mid 70s Sunday.

FOOTBALL WEATHER: For high school games tomorrow night, the sky will be mostly clear, and temperatures will be cool, falling through the 50s. You will need a jacket this week.

Alabama will host Texas A&M Saturday afternoon at Bryant-Denny Stadium (2:30 p.m kickoff). The sky will be sunny; 68 degrees at kickoff, falling into the upper 50s by the final whistle.

Auburn hosts Arkansas at Jordan-Hare Stadium Saturday evening (5 p.m. kickoff). The sky will be clear with temperatures falling from near 67 degrees at kickoff into the upper 50s by the end of the game.

RACE WEEKEND AT TALLADEGA: Tomorrow will be breezy and much cooler, with a sunny sky and a high in the mid to upper 60s. Expect a bright, sunny sky Saturday and Sunday with fantastic temperatures; the high Saturday will be close to 68, followed by a high of 75 Sunday. Temperatures will drop to near 40 degrees early Saturday and Sunday morning at the Superspeedway.

NEXT WEEK: Dry, pleasant weather continues for the first half of the week, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s. The latest GFS run hints at some risk of mostly light rain Thursday thanks to an approaching upper trough.

AT THE BEACH: Sunny days, fair nights on the coast from Panama City Beach to Gulf Shores through early next week. Highs in the 70s, lows in the 50s. See a detailed Gulf Coast forecast here.

TROPICS: The disturbance east of the Bahamas remains disorganized this afternoon; if anything forms in that region it will move north and won’t be a threat to the U.S.

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