The unofficial end of summer, Labor Day, promises to be another hot one for Alabama.

But a true taste of fall is in the forecast for later this week, and you will definitely feel it. And your lawn sprinklers might also get a day off as well.

But not yet.

The National Weather Service is forecasting more summer heat across the state for Monday. Highs are expected to reach the 90s — even the mid-90s in a lot of areas (see today’s forecast at the top of this post).

Despite that the heat index, or “feels like” temperature, will stay below heat advisory levels for the entire state.

Hang in there, because relief is coming for those that are sick of the heat. How about highs in the 70s? That’s possible later this week if weather service forecasts verify.

Rain chances are also expected to climb.

Temperatures will actually trend downward through the week, and by Wednesday and Thursday there will be a refreshing change for much of the state.

Highs on Wednesday are forecast to be in the low to mid-80s statewide, with a possibly some 70s sprinkled in for north Alabama:

Then the big celebration will come on Thursday. Highs in the 70s are in the forecast for a sizable chunk of the state, and even low 80s for much of south Alabama except the southeast corner (sorry, Dothan):

Thursday’s lower temperatures will be accompanied by increased chances for rain and storms, although no severe weather is in the forecast. Here are the rain chances through 7 p.m. on Thursday:

Those higher rain chances could linger into Friday for the eastern part of the state.

Cooler temperatures — highs in the 80s — are expected to linger across Alabama through next weekend.