BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA — Alabama is in for a split-screen weekend. Much of the state started Saturday, October 3 mostly rain-free, with temperatures running well above average and Birmingham forecast to reach about 88 degrees. But rain will become much more widespread on Sunday, and weekend totals could range from about half an inch in the Tennessee Valley to 3 to 4 inches near the coast, including Mobile. After a mostly dry and pleasant week ahead, global models suggest a broad tropical low could bring rain back to the state around October 10 and 11.
Saturday: Mostly Dry, Hot and Scattered Storms Later
Radar showed most of Alabama rain-free early Saturday morning, with only a few spotty showers near the coast and in the northwest corner of the state.
By mid to late afternoon, scattered showers and a few storms are expected to form, with the highest coverage over the southern half of the state and to the north near the Tennessee state line. Much of central Alabama, including the Birmingham area, should stay mostly dry with only isolated showers.
Temperatures Near 90 Again
Temperatures will remain above average Saturday. Where the sun breaks out, some spots could reach 90 degrees again this afternoon. Birmingham’s forecast high is about 88 degrees, more typical of late summer than early October.
Sunday: Widespread Rain Moves In
Rain will become much more widespread across Alabama on Sunday. Some thunder is possible, but forecasters say there is no risk of severe storms.
Birmingham’s high on Sunday is expected to drop to about 77 degrees, with a low near 69, thanks to clouds and rain.
Weekend Rain Totals Across Alabama
Rainfall will vary a lot from north to south:…