FIRST ALERT: Fantastic weather going into the weekend

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - TROPICAL STORM IAN FORMS: We are tracking multiple tropical systems in the Atlantic this evening. The one that we’re most concerned about is Tropical Storm Ian, over the Caribbean, or about 380 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. Forecast guidance is in better agreement on this system developing into a hurricane and making a landfall in Florida around Tuesday of next week. There is still some uncertainty regarding exactly where the system will make landfall. It could be anywhere from north of Tampa to the Keys.

WHAT WE KNOW: Based on the current track, we will be on the dry side of the system, so no significant-direct impacts are expected in Alabama for now. Most of the panhandle should also be on the dry side; however, the wetter side of the system will have far reaching impacts along the Peninsula and across the state of Florida to the east coast. Residents in the Florida Keys and Florida Peninsula are urged to go over their hurricane safety plans and make preparations for impacts. The system will bring a risk of storm surge, flooding, isolated tornadoes, and tropical to hurricane force winds. Ian could become a major category three hurricane before making landfall next week, with maximum sustained winds topping 110 mph.

Fiona continues to race towards Canada and will have significant impacts in places like Nova Scotia overnight and into tomorrow as it transforms into an extra-tropical cyclone. Gaston will remain over the central Atlantic. Lastly, there is Tropical Storm Hermine, which is over the far eastern Atlantic. No impacts expected from these systems in our region.

Be sure to download our free WBRC First Alert Weather app for the latest tropical tracks and tropical weather statements.

THE NEXT 24 HOURS: The big story around here will continue to be the cool-fall air that has settled into Alabama. A chill will be in the air tomorrow morning, as temperatures tumble into the 50s. We could even see a few upper 40s to the northeast. Tomorrow will be a beautiful day, perfect for College Football. I’m expecting sunshine, with highs in the low 80s.

If you’re attending the Auburn game, don’t forget the sunscreen. Temps will rise into the low 80s at Jordan-Hare. Temps will be near 80º at kickoff in Tuscaloosa tomorrow night and falling into the 70s during the game.

FIRST ALERT FOR SCATTERED STORMS SUNDAY MORNING: Another front will bring a chance for scattered showers and storms on Sunday. There will still be plenty of breaks, but latest high-resolution data shows an area of showers and storms dropping in from the northwest after midnight tomorrow night and continuing into Sunday morning. This should exit to the southeast in the afternoon, with some clearing late, just in time for events like the Zac Brown Band concert at Oak Mountain.

Unless we see any significant changes in the forecast track for the tropical system in the Gulf, our weather will be dry for most of next week. Look for more sunshine for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, with below average temperatures.

Make sure you download the WBRC First Alert Weather app for the latest weather information.

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