Scattered severe storms possible (again) on Wednesday

Another round — maybe two — of severe weather will be possible in parts of Alabama on Wednesday, according to forecasters.

Strong straight-line winds are the main concern, but there will also be a risk for hail and heavy rain. The tornado risk is low but not zero.

The most likely time for storms will begin later this afternoon (as soon as 1 p.m. for northwest Alabama) and last into the nighttime hours, according to the National Weather Service.

Then there could be another round of storms during the overnight hours, reaching northwest Alabama by 1 a.m., although forecasters said the timing was subject to change.

Storms today and tonight could be big rainmakers, and the weather service said 1 to 3 inches of rain will be possible.

Areas that don’t see rain by afternoon will get extremely hot again today, and heat advisories will be in effect for the southern half of the state today. Some will last into Thursday as well.

More strong to severe storms will again be possible on Thursday.

NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center has added a Level 3 out of 5 (or enhanced) risk for severe weather for extreme northern Alabama for today. A Level 3 risk means that “numerous” severe storms will be possible. The Level 3 risk area was extended southward overnight to include part of Alabama.

The rest of north Alabama and part of north-central Alabama have a Level 2 out of 5 risk today, which means that scattered severe storms will be possible.

Much of south Alabama — except for southwest Alabama — will have a Level 1 risk today and could have to deal with isolated severe storms.

The Storm Prediction Center also has a Level 1 severe weather risk in place for Thursday for north and central Alabama, which means more isolated severe storms will be possible.

Here is the outlook for Thursday:

Rain and storms will also be possible on Friday, but so far the SPC has not included Alabama in a severe weather risk.

Here is a look at the forecast from the weather service offices across Alabama:

NORTH ALABAMA

CENTRAL ALABAMA

SOUTH ALABAMA