Severe weather returns to Alabama with rain and storms through Friday
After a brief reprieve from stormy skies, Alabama is once again bracing for a wet and turbulent pattern as the week progresses. Starting Wednesday, June 4, isolated to scattered thunderstorms will roll back into the region, intensifying into potentially severe weather by Saturday, June 7. Residents of West Alabama should remain alert, as several counties fall under a heightened risk for strong winds and localized hazards.
Rain forecast for West Alabama counties: Wednesday to Friday
Across West Alabama, multiple counties will experience a gradual uptick in thunderstorm activity, mostly after 1 p.m. each day. Here’s what to expect by region:
Bibb, Hale, Perry: A 40% chance of storms begins on Wednesday and Thursday, increasing to 50% on Friday.
Fayette, Lamar, Walker: Fayette and Lamar start the week with a 20% chance on Wednesday, but all three counties see 40% to 50% risks by Thursday and Friday.
Greene, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa: Each of these areas faces a 30% chance of storms on Wednesday, followed by a 40% and then 50% probability for Thursday and Friday, respectively.
These storms are expected to be isolated to scattered, and not all areas will receive rain, but localized downpours, lightning, and gusty winds remain possible.
Weekend forecast: Severe weather threat on Saturday and Sunday
Saturday, June 7, marks a significant weather escalation. The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of West Alabama under a level 2 out of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms, including the following counties: Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, and Walker.
When will storms strike?
Forecast models currently target the afternoon and evening hours on Saturday as the prime window for severe activity. These storms may linger into Sunday, although timing specifics will become clearer as the event nears.
Primary threats: Damaging winds and isolated hail
According to the National Weather Service in Birmingham, the main concern this weekend will be damaging straight-line winds reaching speeds of up to 60 mph (97 km/h). Additionally, small hail and brief downpours could impact driving conditions and outdoor plans. With the ground already saturated from earlier spring rains, localized flooding in low-lying areas is not out of the question.
Weather authorities will continue monitoring storm development, especially if supercell structures begin forming across central and western Alabama late Saturday. All residents are encouraged to stay tuned to local alerts and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
