The strong cold front we’ve been watching for several days is finally approaching and models are certainly expecting it to pack quite a punch before temperatures drop.

The Storm Prediction Center now has a Level 3 risk for northern Alabama, which includes Huntsville, Decatur, Florence, Gadsden, Cullman, Hamilton, and the north side of the Metro Birmingham area. We’re expecting hail and strong winds to be the main risks, but a tornado can’t be ruled out.

The Level 2 covers most of the rest of the state and includes the same risks without as much confidence.

Storms are expected to begin about 2 p.m. in the northwestern part of the state and 11 p.m. in the eastern region, meaning some of us will have an overnight threat for severe weather.

North Alabama

Showers and storms with a couple of severe storms possible. Mostly cloudy with a high of 80. Wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour. More showers and storms overnight possible. Low of 47.

Central Alabama

A slight chance of a shower or two in the afternoon, then showers and storms in the evening and overnight. High of 82 and low of 51. A severe storm is possible.

South Alabama

Mostly cloudy with a high of 85. Showers and storms moving into the area in the evening and continuing overnight. Low of 55. A storm or two could be severe.

Gulf Coast

Fog early, then cloudy with a high of 80. A slight chance of a storm in the late afternoon with rain and storms becoming likely overnight. Low of 59.