BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Scattered thunderstorms developed across central Alabama on Wednesday afternoon, bringing pockets of heavy rain and reduced visibility, though no severe weather was reported. Areas that missed the rainfall stayed hot and humid, with temperatures in the low to mid 80s and heat index values near 90 degrees. As storms fade after sunset, mostly cloudy skies are expected overnight with lows near 70 degrees and a continued chance for patchy fog in areas that received rain.
Storm chances remain in the forecast on Thursday, when the region is expected to stay mostly cloudy and muggy. High temperatures should reach the low to mid 80s, while heat index values could climb into the upper 80s to near 90 degrees. The best chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms is expected between noon and 6 p.m. CDT. Heavy rainfall and lightning will be the main concerns, though a strong storm cannot be ruled out. Not every location will see rain on Thursday, but more unsettled weather is likely to return Friday and Saturday.
A stationary front is expected to lift northward and stall across north and central Alabama Friday into Saturday, increasing the chance for additional showers and thunderstorms. Weather models suggest waves of energy moving along the front could help trigger more widespread rain during that period. Both Friday and Saturday are expected to feature mostly cloudy skies, highs in the lower 80s, and rain chances rising to 60% to 70%. While it will not rain continuously, some areas may experience heavy downpours during the afternoon and evening. Forecasters are also monitoring a low-end threat for localized flooding because of the high moisture content in the atmosphere.
The chance for scattered storms continues Sunday into Monday, although rainfall coverage is expected to be lower than during the late-week period. Conditions should remain warm and muggy with highs in the low to mid 80s and rain chances around 40% to 50%. Outdoor plans should still be possible, but brief showers or thunderstorms could interrupt activities for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Overnight lows are expected to dip into the upper 60s.
Looking ahead to early June, some long-range forecasts indicate slightly drier air may move into Georgia and northern Alabama around June 2 and 3. If that trend holds, humidity could ease somewhat, and temperatures may settle a little below average, with highs in the lower 80s and overnight lows in the mid 60s. However, moisture is expected to increase again around June 5 to 7, likely bringing another round of unsettled weather. While some social media speculation may point to tropical development in the Gulf, current guidance does not strongly support a tropical system there. Forecasters say a stalled boundary is more likely to bring additional rain and possibly a weak low-pressure area, with more favorable tropical conditions expected in the eastern Pacific.
