Before we begin, let’s caution everyone to be careful which information to follow. There are plenty of websites and social media pages out there that can latch onto one forecast model to proclaim, “a Cat 3 or 4 hurricane is heading to the Alabama Coast in 8 days.” Could it happen? Of course, it’s August in Alabama. A hurricane is possible anytime and we’re right in the peak of the season. Will it happen? It’s unlikely, at least for it to happen exactly that way. Hurricane forecasting has improved tremendously recently but tracks and strengths are still educated guesses this many days out.

Right now, we know forecast models that are normally reliable are picking up a low chance of a disturbance developing in seven days that has a northward movement towards the Gulf of Mexico. We’ll keep watching.

For Thursday, temperatures continue to climb. Some Alabama communities could hit all-time hottest temps before the next few days are over. Be sure to check on neighbors, the homeless, pets, and livestock as just about any amount of time outside could be dangerous the next few days.

North Alabama

Sunny with a high near 95 and heat index of 105. Clear Thursday night with a low of 80.

Central Alabama

Sunny with a slight chance of a shower or thunderstorm in the late afternoon and evening. High of 100 and heat index of 111. Becoming clear overnight with a low of 75.

South Alabama

Sunny with a high of 101 and heat index of 106. An isolated shower or thunderstorm is possible in the late afternoon and evening. Becoming clear with a low of 73.

Gulf Coast

Mostly sunny with a high of 99 and a heat index of 113. Clear Thursday night with a low of 74.