Thursday: marginal risk for severe storms
Most of Alabama remains under a Level 1 out of 5 (marginal) severe weather risk for Thursday, according to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center. This risk zone primarily covers the southern and northwestern parts of the state. While these storms are expected to be isolated, they could bring damaging wind gusts and hail.
As of Thursday morning, rain and thunderstorms were already moving across much of Alabama. These unsettled conditions are expected to continue through the evening, with stronger storms posing the greatest threat into Thursday night.
Friday: stronger storms, especially in the southeast
Friday’s forecast features a heightened risk, particularly for southeast Alabama, which is now under a Level 2 (slight) risk. This upgraded category means there is a potential for scattered severe thunderstorms, with hail and damaging winds again being the primary hazards. The most intense storms are forecast to develop during the afternoon and evening hours as a cold front progresses through the region.
Meanwhile, the southern and eastern parts of central Alabama, as well as the rest of the south, remain under a Level 1 risk, meaning less widespread but still hazardous weather remains possible.
Saturday brings relief, but north Alabama could see storms Sunday
By Saturday, the cold front is expected to move out of the state, ushering in drier air and lower humidity for most of Alabama. This change should signal the start of a quieter weather pattern for the weekend and the start of next week.
However, the National Weather Service notes that north Alabama may still experience a few afternoon thunderstorms on Sunday. Even so, no severe weather is anticipated across the state beyond Friday.
Humidity levels are forecast to drop this weekend, making for more comfortable conditions, especially across the southern and central regions. But by next week, higher humidity is expected to return as high pressure reestablishes over the region.
