Potential for Severe Storms Through Early Evening – Alabama Emergency Management Agency (EMA)

By Jim Stefkovich, Meteorologist, Alabama Emergency Management Agency

CLANTON –Thursday, 12:00 pm, July 2, 2026

Similar to yesterday, models indicate widely scattered to scattered thunderstorms developing mainly across the northern half of the state this afternoon and continuing into the early evening hours.  Especially near and north of I-20, clusters of strong-to-severe thunderstorms are possible, with damaging wind gusts of 50-65 mph, hail, and torrential rain.  There is no tornado threat.   All precipitation will end across the state sometime between 9 pm and 12 am.

Hot and humid conditions will continue through at least next Tuesday, with highs in the 90s and lows only reaching the middle 70s.  Heat index values could reach 110-114 in a few spots in northern Alabama, with 100-110 across the rest of the state today.  From Friday through the holiday weekend, afternoon heat index values will generally range from 100 to 107.  The Heat Advisories will likely be extended into the weekend for northern and central Alabama.

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Children and pets should NEVER be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

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Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are again forecast during the afternoons and evenings across the northern half of the state both Friday and Saturday, with scattered thunderstorms statewide from Sunday through at least next Tuesday.   A few storms each day could produce wind gusts from 40-60 mph and frequent lightning.

Since this is a holiday weekend with a lot of outdoor activity, make sure you remain weather aware.  If you hear thunder, you are most likely within range of being struck by lightning.  Don’t become a statistic!  When thunder roars, go indoors.