A calm start to the morning across South Alabama gave way to renewed storm chances heading into the afternoon, following a stretch of unsettled weather the day before. Forecasters say the highest probability for showers and thunderstorms will sit over southern Mobile and Baldwin counties in the early afternoon hours, with activity expected to shift toward inland communities later in the evening and overnight.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed the region in a 1-out-of-5 risk category for a few stronger storms, meaning most activity should remain garden-variety but a handful of storms could turn more intense. The primary hazards being watched are gusty winds and heavy, fast-falling rain that can lead to localized flooding on area roadways.
Daytime highs are expected to climb into the mid- to upper 80s and lower 90s, but with humidity levels running high, it will feel more like the mid- to upper 90s for anyone spending extended time outdoors. Overnight lows will stay mild and muggy, settling into the 70s.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, rain chances tick up further, with more scattered showers and thunderstorms expected. Daytime highs will hold steady in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Forecasters say this hot, humid and unsettled weather pattern is likely to persist into the weekend, a typical summer setup for the Gulf Coast.
Beachgoers should take note that rip current risks remain elevated along area beaches and are expected to stay that way through the weekend. Rip currents are a leading cause of ocean rescue calls and drownings along the Alabama coast during summer months, and swimmers are urged to check flag conditions and swim near a lifeguard when possible.
In the tropics, Tropical Storm Bret has officially formed in the Atlantic. Forecasters expect the system to remain a tropical storm as it tracks westward, passing just south of the Dominican Republic by this weekend. Meteorologists are also watching a second tropical wave trailing behind Bret that could strengthen into a tropical depression or tropical storm within the next two days — if it does, the next name on the list would be Cindy.
Local forecasters say they will continue monitoring both systems for any potential impact on the Gulf Coast as the Atlantic hurricane season moves into a more active stretch. Residents are encouraged to review their hurricane preparedness plans now, well ahead of any storm that might pose a direct threat later in the season.