Our pattern of extreme heat and high heat index values continues Friday, but there may be a break coming for some of us.

As far as the storms are concerned, a Level 1 severe risk covers a majority of central and southern Alabama Friday. The main risks are winds up to 60 miles per hour and hail.

We’re watching models showing a cold front moving southward next week. The front will bring cooler and less humid air for millions of people. As far as bringing a break to us, it really depends on how far south it travels. Right now, we’re seeing temperature trends dropping into the mid to upper 80s for at least northern Alabama, and maybe into portions of central Alabama, next week around Tuesday or Wednesday. If the forecast stands, those better temperatures and humidity levels will be under sunny skies, so some gorgeous days could be on the horizon.

Anyone south of the front will continue with highs near 100 and heat indexes near 105 – 110. Those areas that do get the front will be much more comfortable for a couple days, but heat right back up.

The tropics remain quiet with no chance of development within the next 48 hours.

North Alabama

Fog early, then mostly sunny with a slight chance of a shower or thunderstorm. High near 87 and heat index of 97. Mostly clear Friday night with a low of 75.

Central Alabama

Mostly cloudy with a high of 88. A few scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible into the evening. A storm or two could be severe. Mostly cloudy overnight with a low of 71.

South Alabama

Mostly cloudy with showers and storms likely. A storm or two could be severe. High near 94 and heat index of 106. A shower or storm is possible in the evening, then becoming mostly cloudy. Low of 73.

Gulf Coast

Sunny with a few scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. High near 97 and heat index of 109. Partly cloudy overnight with a low of 78.