THIS WEEKEND: Hot and mostly dry weather continues across Alabama through the holiday weekend. Highs today and Sunday will reach the lower to middle 90s, with heat index values nearing 100 degrees each afternoon. A few isolated showers or storms may pop up late in the day, mainly across western and central parts of the state, but rain chances remain low—around 20%. Moisture continues to creep in from the south and east, adding to the mugginess, so heat safety remains important. Stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and never leave people or pets in a hot car.
THE WORK WEEK AHEAD: By Monday, the ridge of high pressure begins to weaken, opening the door to more typical summertime storms. Scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms become more likely across the state, with daily rain chances ranging from 30% to as high as 60% by midweek. A weak front is expected to approach from the north, increasing instability and potentially bringing a few stronger storms Tuesday through Thursday, especially in the afternoon and evening hours. Some overnight storm complexes (MCS) may also move in during this stretch, particularly in north Alabama. High temperatures will remain in the low to mid 90s Monday and Tuesday, then drop slightly into the upper 80s to low 90s by mid to late week due to more cloud cover and rainfall.
Friday will keep some lingering showers and storms around, but coverage should begin to decrease slightly. Highs will stay in the upper 80s to near 90, with heat index values continuing to flirt with the 100-degree mark in spots where sunshine breaks out. While severe weather is not expected at this time, some storms could be strong, so stay weather aware through the week.
TROPICS: In the tropics, the National Hurricane Center has started advisories on Tropical Depression Three, located east of the Florida coast. The system is expected to strengthen slightly and could become a tropical storm before moving northward toward the South Carolina coast by Sunday morning. It will bring gusty winds, heavy rain, and dangerous rip currents to portions of the Carolinas through Monday, but no direct impact is expected in Alabama…