FIRST ALERT UPDATE: A First Alert for a big increase in rain and storms Friday afternoon, risk for localized flash flooding

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - THE NEXT 24 HOURS: Isolated showers and storms will be possible in areas to the south and east overnight. We may catch some decent breaks in wet weather through Friday morning, but models continue to show waves of showers and maybe a few thunderstorms spreading into our area from the southeast tomorrow afternoon and evening. Tomorrow evening could be wet at times so make sure you plan accordingly and grab a poncho if you are attending any high school games. Temperatures tomorrow afternoon are forecast to climb into the upper 70s and lower 80s with easterly winds at 5-10 mph. Rainfall totals tomorrow will likely add up around a half inch to an inch for most locations. Tomorrow’s main threat will be the heavy rain and the potential for flooding. If rain and storms move over the same spots, flooding could occur. Just make sure you monitor our weather app for important notifications.

SCATTERED WEEKEND STORMS: The upcoming weekend does not look like a washout. We will likely remain mostly cloudy Saturday with morning temperatures starting out near 70°F. Showers may still be ongoing early on before lifting out. Highs Saturday afternoon are forecast to warm into the low to mid 80s. Scattered storms are possible on Saturday afternoon and the coverage could climb to 50%. The best chance to see rain over the weekend will be in the afternoon and evening hours, but isolated showers can’t be ruled out in the morning hours. Any storm that develops this weekend could produce heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and lightning. The severe threat remains low, but an isolated strong storm will be possible. Sunday will end up similar, but we could see more breaks in the cloud cover giving us a partly cloudy sky. Storm coverage will be around 50%. Just remember to go inside if you hear thunder or see lightning.

FOOTBALL FORECAST: If you are planning on heading out to Austin, Texas to cheer on the Crimson Tide Saturday, you’ll want to stay hydrated. The heat will be the big story as temperatures climb into the upper 80s and lower 90s around kickoff. By the end of the game, it’ll likely be sunny and hot with highs in the mid 90s. Make sure you wear a hat, sunglasses, and apply the sunscreen. The Auburn game will kick off Saturday evening in Auburn, and scattered showers and a few storms can’t be ruled out. Temperatures are forecast to start out in the lower 80s and cool into the 70s. It might not be a bad idea to grab a poncho. UAB travels to Lynchburg, Virigina to take on Liberty Saturday at 5 PM. The forecast is looking mostly dry with temperatures in the 70s. An isolated shower can’t be ruled out.

COMFY AIR ARRIVES NEXT WEEK: A cold front heads our way on Monday and causes widely scattered showers and storms to develop. Once the front passes by, humidity levels will drop significantly, which will allow temperatures to cool into the upper 50s and lower 60s on Tuesday and Wednesday morning. We should see plenty of sunshine for the second half of next week with highs in the mid to upper 80s. Next week looks more typical for September with dry and sunny weather.

TROPICAL UPDATE: Danielle is post-tropical and tracking towards Europe. Hurricane Earl is moving north-northeast with 105 mph winds and will bring tropical storm conditions to Bermuda later today.  Earl could become the first major hurricane of the season with winds increasing up to 130 mph by tomorrow evening. Earl will not directly impact the United States and should push into the northern Atlantic over the weekend. A rip current threat will be possible for the U.S. East coast over the next three to five days. We are also watching two tropical waves in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. One tropical wave has a high chance to develop into a tropical depression or storm in the next few days. It will likely follow Earl and won’t impact the United States. The second tropical wave moving off the coast of Africa has a low chance to form. It’ll be something to watch, but no issues are expected to the United States over the next five days. The next name up is Fiona. Hurricane season officially ends on November 30th.

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