Another round of strong storms possible Thursday

Another round of rain and storms is expected to move through Alabama on Thursday.

Strong to severe storms will be possible. The strongest could have wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail. A tornado or two will also be possible, according to the National Weather Service.

Here’s a look at the outlook for tornadoes for Thursday:

While a tornado can’t be ruled out on Thursday, the probabilities are lower than they were for last week’s round of storms.

This round of storms could reach west Alabama on Thursday morning push eastward across the state through the afternoon. It’s expected to be moving quickly, so forecasters are hopeful that flooding rain won’t be an issue this time around.

The weather service is also cautioning that it will be windy — even before storms arrive. The tightening pressure gradient around the approaching storm system could generate winds from 10-20 mph and gusts as high as 40 mph, especially in higher elevations. It’s not out of the question that wind advisories will be issued for parts of the state for Thursday.

NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center is maintaining a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather for much of the state for Thursday. The rest of the state has a Level 1 risk.

A Level 2, or slight, risk, means that scattered severe storms will be possible. A Level 1 risk, or marginal, means isolated severe storms will be possible.

The National Weather Service expects the storms to arrive in the form of a squall line ahead of a cold front. Those storms could reach Alabama’s western border by 8 a.m. Thursday and push to the east and south.

The storms are expected to clear out of the state by Thursday evening.

Much cooler air will move into the state by Friday, and highs will only reach the 40s in north and parts of central Alabama. South Alabama will only be in the 50s.

Here are Friday’s highs:

Friday highs — A big cooldown is coming on Friday. Here are the forecast high temperatures.

Temperatures are expected to slowly rise through the weekend. The next chance for rain will arrive on Monday, according to the weather service.

REGIONAL OUTLOOK

Here’s a look at what the National Weather Service is expecting for each region in Alabama on Thursday:

North Alabama:

Central Alabama:

Southwest Alabama:

Southeast Alabama: