Alabama's weather forecast: Warm, humid and storms possible

Scattered strong storms, limited severe weather risk in Alabama ahead of a cold front arriving Friday

GOING TO BE PLENTY OF DRY TIME THIS WEEKEND AS WELL. WE ACTUALLY HAVE SOME FIRST WARNING IMPACT DAYS TO TELL YOU ABOUT FOR THURSDAY AND FRIDAY. YOU SEE THEM THERE WITH THOSE ICONS. THAT JUST MEANS THAT THE WEATHER COULD BE INCONVENIENT, SO BE SURE THAT YOU’RE PAYING ATTENTION TO THE FORECAST. WE’RE LOOKING AT RAIN COVERAGE ELEVATED AT TIMES TOMORROW, ESPECIALLY DURING THE AFTERNOON AND EVENING HOURS. AND REALLY AT THIS POINT, THE TIMING FOR THE BEST COVERAGE OF RAIN IS KIND OF ALL OVER THE PLACE ON FRIDAY, BUT WE’RE LOOKING AT MAINLY AFTERNOON SHOWERS AND STORMS, WITH A FEW OF THOSE LINGERING INTO THE FIRST PART OF THE DAY SATURDAY. SO LET’S BREAK DOWN THE REST OF THE WEEK HERE. IN OUR FIRST WARNING SEVEN DAY. OF COURSE. LET’S START WITH TODAY. WE’RE GOING TO BE HOT AND HUMID. VERY SIMILAR FORECAST TO WHAT WE’VE SEEN THE LAST COUPLE OF DAYS. I WANT TO MOVE THE CLOCK FORWARD HERE TO 2 P.M., AND JUST TO SHOW YOU THAT THERE COULD BE A FEW LITTLE ISOLATED, BRIEF DOWNPOURS. HOWEVER, MOST FOLKS REMAIN DRY. THE BEST CHANCE TO SEE RAIN, THOUGH TODAY WOULD BE GENERALLY ALONG AND TO THE EAST OF I-65. IF ONE OF THESE SHOWERS FINDS YOU, IT’S NOT GOING TO LAST LONG, AND THEN WE’LL HAVE COVERAGE FADING INTO THE EVENING HOURS. THIS IS 8 P.M., AND YOU CAN SEE ONCE WE LOSE THAT DAYTIME HEATING, ANY KIND OF SHOT FOR SOME RAIN REALLY FADES AWAY. BUT LOOKING AHEAD TOWARDS OUR FIRST WARNING IMPACT DAY ON THURSDAY, SCATTERED STORMS, ESPECIALLY DURING THE SECOND HALF OF THE DAY. I REALLY BELIEVE MOST FOLKS ARE DRY EARLY IN THE MORNING FOR THE MORNING COMMUTE. WE COULD SEE A FEW SCATTERED SHOWERS AND STORMS AROUND BY LUNCHTIME, BUT THE BEST COVERAGE OF WIDESPREAD RAIN AND THUNDER LOOKS TO BE DURING THE EVENING HOURS, SO THAT COULD MEAN A SLOWER THAN NORMAL COMMUTE HOME FOR A LOT OF FOLKS. AND NEW THIS MORNING, WE NOW HAVE A SLIGHT LEVEL TWO OUT OF FIVE RISK FOR A STRONG STORM OR TWO OVER NORTHWEST ALABAMA. THAT’S THE YELLOW COLOR YOU SEE HERE ON THE MAP. AND THEN THIS IS A MARGINAL LEVEL, ONE OUT OF FIVE IN THE GREEN. THIS TELLS US A FEW THINGS. IT TELLS US, FIRST OF ALL, THAT THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY TO SEE A STRONG STORM OR TWO THAT COULD BRIEFLY BE SEVERE. IT ALSO TELLS US THAT THE OVERALL TREND IS THAT THESE STORMS WILL BE WEAKENING AS THEY MOVE ACROSS THE STATE OF ALABAMA TOMORROW EVENING. SO TIMING IT OUT FOR YOU HERE. IN OUR FIRST WARNING FUTURE TRACK STARTING THE CLOCK AT 6 A.M. WE’VE GOT SOME CLOUDS AROUND. THERE COULD BE A SPOTTY SHOWER SOMEWHERE, BUT I DO BELIEVE MOST FOLKS ARE DRY AT THAT POINT. BY LUNCHTIME, A LITTLE BIT BETTER CHANCE TO SEE A SPOTTY SHOWER OR THUNDERSTORM. A FEW MORE OF THOSE AROUND BY 3 P.M. AS THE KIDS ARE GETTING DONE WITH SCHOOL, FOLLOWED BY AN INCREASING COVERAGE OF RAIN AND THUNDER BY 6 P.M. SO THIS IS THE EVENING COMMUTE, AND IT COULD BE A WET ONE FOR SOME FOLKS. AND WE’RE GOING TO BE WATCHING THESE STORMS CAREFULLY FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF GUSTY WINDS AND HAIL. THEY’RE ALSO LIKELY TO PRODUCE VERY HEAVY RAIN AND SOME FREQUENT LIGHTNING. THOSE STORMS WILL STEADILY MARCH TOWARDS THE SOUTHEAST DURING THE LATER PART OF THE EVENING. EVENTUALLY, THEY WILL BE EXITING THE STATE, FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER RISK FOR SOME RAIN AT TIMES ON FRIDAY AND ONCE AGAIN, TIMING ON THIS IS STILL KIND OF UP IN THE AIR, AND I DO BELIEVE WE’LL HAVE A MUCH CLEARER PICTURE OF THE EXACT TIMEFRAME FOR THIS AS WE GET CLOSER TO FRIDAY, BUT FOR NOW, WE CAN EXPECT SOME MORNING SHOWERS, SCATTERED EVENING STORMS, NO ORGANIZED SEVERE RISK WITH THIS, BUT THERE COULD STILL BE SOME STORMS THAT PRODUCE FREQUENT LIGHTNING AND HEAVY DOWNPOURS AND NEW INTO THE FORECAST TODAY IS THAT IT DOES APPEAR THAT THAT FRONT IS KIND OF SLOWING DOWN, AND THAT COULD MEAN SOME LINGERING RAIN AT TIMES ON SATURDAY. THAT WOULD MAINLY BE THE FIRST HALF OF THE DAY. BUT IF YOU ARE ALREADY PLANNING TO BE OUTDOORS, THIS IS CERTAINLY A FORECAST. YOU’RE GOING TO WANT TO KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON. TEMPERATURES HOLDING IN THE 70S, THANKS TO SOME COOLER AIR MOVING IN BEHIND THE FRONT. AND WE’RE ALSO GOING TO BE DROPPING INTO THE 40S AND 50S EARLY SUNDAY MORNING. IT’S GOING TO FEE

Scattered strong storms, limited severe weather risk in Alabama ahead of a cold front arriving Friday

FIRST WARNING LIVE RADAR | UPLOAD YOUR WEATHER PHOTOS | TURN ON WEATHER NOTIFICATIONSWarm, muggy weather will mean an increasing chance of showers and thunderstorms this week as a cold front moves into Alabama. A few strong storms will bring heavy rain by the end of the week. Check the video forecast for the latest. FIRST WARNING IMPACT DAYSHeads up: We have declared Thursday and Friday as First Warning Impact Days due to the threat of scattered heavy thunderstorms. We are warning you first for potential disruptions to outdoor activities and travel on both days.Thursday, May 1A line of heavy thunderstorms will roll into Alabama from the northwest during the second half of the day Thursday. We will have to watch along this line for pockets that may briefly turn strong to severe with gusty winds and hail. The overall severe threat is low, but not zero. Timing: The day will begin with a chance of some showers in the morning, but widespread heavy storms are expected to move closer to Alabama after lunchtime Thursday. They will spread into the state by the late afternoon and early evening moving from northwest to southeast. They will start near The Shoals just after noon, and the most significant impacts will be felt northwest of Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Jasper and Cullman before 6 p.m. The most widespread thunderstorm activity will sweep through central Alabama later in the day, potentially disrupting the afternoon commute as well as baseball, softball, and soccer games and practices.Impacts: These storms are likely to bring dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning, heavy rainfall of up to one inch in less than an hour, small hail, and wind gusts exceeding 40 mph.The Storm Prediction has introduced a slight risk over far northwest Alabama. Friday, May 2Friday’s storms will come ahead of a strong cold front that will bring a cooler air and lower humidity for the weekend. This front is responsible for our next big change.Timing: The timeline for Friday's showers and thunderstorms is becoming less clear the closer we get to the day because of a very slow-moving storm system. Each passing suite of model guidance gets a little slower with an approaching cold front and the jet stream driving it south.With that in mind, timing will need to be updated on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to refine this and give you the clearest picture of expectations.In the image below, you will see the timeline for the "best" chance of rain and thunderstorms. Some scattered, hit-or-miss, unevenly-spaced thunderstorms will be ongoing throughout the day, but the most organized activity will be in these zones at these times.Impacts: The risk of severe storms will be low, but a few stronger storms will produce wind gusts over 40 mph, torrential rain and frequent lightning.A marginal severe weather risk may be introduced for parts of Alabama for Friday, so be sure to check back for updates. We will be the first to warn you if that happens.Remember, if lightning is within 10 miles of your location, it’s not safe to be outdoors. Follow the 30-30 rule for lightning safety:When you see lightning, count the seconds until you hear thunder. If it’s 30 seconds or less, the storm is dangerously close—seek shelter immediately. If you can’t see lightning, hearing thunder is a reliable indicator. Stay sheltered for at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash.Use the �� 13 app to stay informed. It will alert you if lightning strikes within 10 miles of your location.THE NEXT BIG CHANGEThis weekend will bring a break from the summer-like heat and humidity. You may even call it "cool" by Sunday morning. Given the timing of the cold snap, you could call this one “Blackberry Winter�� since the blackberries are in bloom now. The cold front responsible for the heavy thunderstorms on Friday will eventually usher in much cooler air for the weekend. As this system will be slow to exit, showers and a few storms may linger through Saturday.The good news is that Sunday is still looking drier and less humid.Sunday morning will be the coldest of this “cold snap.�� Alabama’s coldest spots will drop to the 40s, while Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Alabaster, Anniston, and Gadsden hover in the low 50s.This cool air mass will gradually recede next week, but its effects will linger. Expect cool mornings and pleasantly warm, dry afternoons as high pressure keeps humidity low and stormy weather at bay for several days.WARM AND HUMID WEDNESDAYWednesday will be another warm and muggy day with a chance of isolated afternoon thunderstorms. Afternoon highs climb into the low to mid-80s. The best chance for an isolated storm will come between 1 and 7 p.m. on Wednesday. STAY WEATHER-AWAREFor the latest weather coverage for your area, click here. And stay updated with alerts in the �� 13 app. You can download it here.For the latest Birmingham weather information and Central Alabama's certified most accurate forecast, watch �� 13 News.Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

FIRST WARNING LIVE RADAR | UPLOAD YOUR WEATHER PHOTOS | TURN ON WEATHER NOTIFICATIONS

Warm, muggy weather will mean an increasing chance of showers and thunderstorms this week as a cold front moves into Alabama. A few strong storms will bring heavy rain by the end of the week. Check the video forecast for the latest.

FIRST WARNING IMPACT DAYS

Heads up: We have declared Thursday and Friday as First Warning Impact Days due to the threat of scattered heavy thunderstorms. We are warning you first for potential disruptions to outdoor activities and travel on both days.

Hearst Owned

Thursday, May 1

A line of heavy thunderstorms will roll into Alabama from the northwest during the second half of the day Thursday. We will have to watch along this line for pockets that may briefly turn strong to severe with gusty winds and hail. The overall severe threat is low, but not zero.

Hearst Owned

Timing: The day will begin with a chance of some showers in the morning, but widespread heavy storms are expected to move closer to Alabama after lunchtime Thursday. They will spread into the state by the late afternoon and early evening moving from northwest to southeast. They will start near The Shoals just after noon, and the most significant impacts will be felt northwest of Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Jasper and Cullman before 6 p.m.

Hearst Owned

The most widespread thunderstorm activity will sweep through central Alabama later in the day, potentially disrupting the afternoon commute as well as baseball, softball, and soccer games and practices.

Impacts: These storms are likely to bring dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning, heavy rainfall of up to one inch in less than an hour, small hail, and wind gusts exceeding 40 mph.

The Storm Prediction has introduced a slight risk over far northwest Alabama.

Hearst Owned

Friday, May 2

Friday’s storms will come ahead of a strong cold front that will bring a cooler air and lower humidity for the weekend. This front is responsible for our next big change.

Hearst Owned

Timing: The timeline for Friday's showers and thunderstorms is becoming less clear the closer we get to the day because of a very slow-moving storm system. Each passing suite of model guidance gets a little slower with an approaching cold front and the jet stream driving it south.

With that in mind, timing will need to be updated on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to refine this and give you the clearest picture of expectations.

In the image below, you will see the timeline for the "best" chance of rain and thunderstorms. Some scattered, hit-or-miss, unevenly-spaced thunderstorms will be ongoing throughout the day, but the most organized activity will be in these zones at these times.

alabama weather forecast rain weekend birmingham

�� 13

Impacts: The risk of severe storms will be low, but a few stronger storms will produce wind gusts over 40 mph, torrential rain and frequent lightning.

A marginal severe weather risk may be introduced for parts of Alabama for Friday, so be sure to check back for updates. We will be the first to warn you if that happens.

Remember, if lightning is within 10 miles of your location, it’s not safe to be outdoors. Follow the 30-30 rule for lightning safety:

When you see lightning, count the seconds until you hear thunder. If it’s 30 seconds or less, the storm is dangerously close—seek shelter immediately. If you can’t see lightning, hearing thunder is a reliable indicator. Stay sheltered for at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash.

Use the �� 13 app to stay informed. It will alert you if lightning strikes within 10 miles of your location.

THE NEXT BIG CHANGE

Hearst Owned

This weekend will bring a break from the summer-like heat and humidity. You may even call it "cool" by Sunday morning. Given the timing of the cold snap, you could call this one “Blackberry Winter�� since the blackberries are in bloom now.

The cold front responsible for the heavy thunderstorms on Friday will eventually usher in much cooler air for the weekend. As this system will be slow to exit, showers and a few storms may linger through Saturday.

The good news is that Sunday is still looking drier and less humid.

Sunday morning will be the coldest of this “cold snap.�� Alabama’s coldest spots will drop to the 40s, while Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Alabaster, Anniston, and Gadsden hover in the low 50s.

Hearst Owned

This cool air mass will gradually recede next week, but its effects will linger. Expect cool mornings and pleasantly warm, dry afternoons as high pressure keeps humidity low and stormy weather at bay for several days.

�� 13

WARM AND HUMID WEDNESDAY

Wednesday will be another warm and muggy day with a chance of isolated afternoon thunderstorms. Afternoon highs climb into the low to mid-80s.

The best chance for an isolated storm will come between 1 and 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

STAY WEATHER-AWARE

For the latest weather coverage for your area, click here. And stay updated with alerts in the �� 13 app. You can download it here.

For the latest Birmingham weather information and Central Alabama's certified most accurate forecast, watch �� 13 News.

Don't forget to follow us on , (formerly Twitter), and .

��������

Scattered strong storms, limited severe weather risk in Alabama ahead of a cold front arriving Friday

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FIRST WARNING IMPACT DAYS

Thursday, May 1

Friday, May 2

THE NEXT BIG CHANGE

WARM AND HUMID WEDNESDAY

STAY WEATHER-AWARE

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