First Alert Weather: Potential for widespread rain and storms after midnight

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - First Alert AccuTrack currently shows us as quiet and dry for now under a partly cloudy sky across Central Alabama this evening; however, we have a First Alert for the possibility of widespread rain and storms arriving after midnight that could eventually make for a wet Wednesday morning commute. Our Next Big Thing is a high chance of seeing numerous rounds of showers and thunderstorms for Wednesday. The Storm Prediction Center has issued an enhanced risk- threat level 3 out of 5 - for parts of south-central Alabama Wednesday. It includes Sumter, Greene, Hale, southern Tuscaloosa, Bibb, and Chilton Counties. Areas along and south of I-20/59 are under a slight risk- threat level 2 out of 5. The main threats tomorrow are damaging winds up to 70 mph, very large hail, and heavy rainfall that could result in flash flooding. Areas in the enhanced risk can also see a low threat for an isolated tornado. The setup tomorrow is very unusual for this time of the year thanks to all of the available energy associated with this system.

We will start tomorrow morning off in the mid to upper 60s with a 70% chance for rain. High temperatures are forecast to only warm into the lower 80s tomorrow with southwest winds at 10-15 mph. We believe storms will fire up along a stalled boundary tonight that could produce a vivid light show and very heavy rain after midnight. We will have to monitor the threat for flash flooding and severe storms early Wednesday morning between 2 a.m. CDT - 10 a.m. CDT. The greatest threat for heavy rainfall tomorrow morning will likely develop along and south of I-20/59. Storms are forecast to move to the east. Rain may taper off Wednesday afternoon, but we could see another round of intense storms fire up Wednesday evening and night across Central Alabama. Storms will likely fire up and spread to the southeast and impact south Alabama where severe weather will likely ramp up. It will not surprise me if we see baseball sized hail in areas under the enhanced (orange) risk. Please make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings tomorrow in case they are issued.

Scattered Storms Remain Possible for the End of the Week: The unsettled weather pattern will likely continue Thursday and Friday. Rain chances may lower a bit, but scattered storms will remain possible with this pattern. We are forecasting lows in the mid to upper 60s with highs in the mid to upper 80s. Thursday rain chances have increased to 50% with a 30% chance for widely scattered storms possible Friday. Storms that form can still produce heavy rainfall and the threat for severe weather. The greatest threat for rain and storms Thursday and Friday will likely remain south of I-20.

Father’s Day Weekend: The forecast for the weekend remains complicated as a stalled boundary remains across the Southeast. I’ve lowered the rain chance a little Saturday to 40%. We will likely see another round of thunderstorms fire up to our northwest and slide into Alabama at some point during the weekend. It may not occur until Saturday night and into Sunday. We are looking at a partly to mostly cloudy sky this weekend with highs in the mid to upper 80s. It will remain very muggy over the weekend with heat index values likely climbing into the mid 90s. Rain chances are up to 50% on Sunday with shower and thunderstorms increasing in coverage again. Storms over the weekend could become strong or severe with damaging winds and large hail as the primary threats. Just remember that if thunder roars, go indoors. Rainfall Potential: It is going to be a very wet week ahead. The Weather Prediction Center is forecasting a good 3-5 inches of rainfall for most of Central Alabama. Higher totals are expected south of I-20. Flash flooding remains a possibility this week as heavy rain sets up in the same areas. I think our highest potential for flooding could occur Wednesday into Thursday morning. Just remember to never drive through flooded areas. Turn around, don’t drown. Make sure you download the WBRC First Alert Weather App for the latest weather information.

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