FIRST ALERT: Widely scattered storms possible Wednesday

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - We are seeing more clouds today and temperatures aren’t as hot, nor will be as oppressive this afternoon. The rain coverage will climb to 30 percent this afternoon and evening. Temperatures rise into the lower to middle 90s and will feel stickier. I’ll keep a small chance for a passing shower or storm for the start of the Barons game.

We’ll continue to have several opportunities to see showers and storms over the next five days. Storms that form will always have the potential to produce gusty winds, frequent lightning, hail, and heavy rain. I still don’t see any organized threat for severe storms this week. A boundary to our north will drop closer to the Southeast by this weekend. Meanwhile, tropical moisture from the Gulf will spread northwards. The combination of these two will enhance our rain chances around 60-70 percent Friday through Monday. With increasing cloud cover and higher rain chances, temperatures are expected to drop below average with highs in the mid to upper 80s. It should be a nice break from the heat, but the humidity levels will likely remain high.

The latest data shows North and Central Alabama receiving 1-3 inches of rain through the next seven days. Once again, this is great news since many locations are seeing drought conditions. Tropical Storm Chantal formed last last night in the Northern Atlantic Ocean. It will likely remain weak and stay out over open water for a few days. It should not impact the United States. The rest of the tropics remain fairly quiet. We’ll watch a disturbance that could move through the Gulf of Mexico this weekend that might enhance our rain chances across the Southeast but we don’t expect development.

Tracking more unsettled weather ahead.

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