BIRMINGHAM — Storms are becoming more widespread across Alabama heading into the weekend, with a partly to mostly sunny Friday giving way to increased scattered afternoon and evening activity, before coverage expands even further Saturday evening as storms track southeast and bring the risk of damaging wind gusts and hail to communities including Birmingham, Gadsden, and Anniston.
Friday Storm Coverage Concentrated North and East
Friday’s weather will feature highs in the low 90s under partly to mostly sunny skies, with the greatest coverage of scattered storms expected across Alabama’s northern and eastern counties, including Cullman, Gadsden, Oneonta, and Centre. Not every community will see rain, but any storm that develops could produce heavy downpours, gusty winds, and frequent lightning.
Weekend Storms Turn More Widespread
Saturday will start out mainly dry, but as temperatures climb, showers and thunderstorms will become more numerous through the afternoon. Storm coverage is expected to grow even more widespread by Saturday evening as activity tracks southeast across the state, potentially affecting Tuscaloosa, Alabaster, Talladega, and Alexander City.
Forecasters warn that some of these storms could turn strong to severe, with the main threats being damaging wind gusts and hail. Dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning remains a risk with any storm that develops, making it important for anyone with outdoor plans to stay weather aware.
A few showers and storms could linger into Sunday morning before another round of scattered afternoon thunderstorms develops as temperatures warm back up.
Next Week: Cold Front Keeps Rain Chances Elevated
A July cold front is on the way early next week. While it won’t bring a significant cooldown, it will help keep rain and storm chances elevated Monday and Tuesday, with highs settling into the middle 80s across Alabama. Rain chances should gradually decrease by Wednesday and Thursday, with only isolated afternoon storms expected and highs returning to the upper 80s and lower 90s. The tropics remain quiet during this period…