We are monitoring the powerful Hurricane Rafael over the central gulf and increasing rain chances for the weekend

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Rafael is still a powerful Category Two hurricane, and the system should gradually weaken as it enters the western Gulf this weekend. The big question remains: will the system continue west or southwest toward Mexico? There is still a lot of uncertainty as some guidance shows the system returning to the north or northeast. As far as our area is concerned, I do not expect any direct consequences from this system this weekend. That said, a cold front still offers a good chance of wet weather this weekend.

WHEN AND WHERE CAN YOU EXPECT RAIN

FRIDAY: Plan for another warm day on Friday, with partly sunny skies. The chance of isolated showers returns in the afternoon and evening. So expect the possibility of a few showers for High School Football.

SATURDAY: More scattered showers are possible Saturday morning, with some nice breaks for Saturday afternoon. So the best time for outdoor activities on Saturday is afternoon/evening. However, expect the chance of showers to increase late Saturday and into Sunday, especially in western Alabama. If you’re traveling west for College Football at LSU and LA Tech, expect a good chance of rain on Saturday.

SUNDAY: The greater chance of rain is Sunday afternoon and evening. There may also be some claps of thunder. The chance of showers and storms should decrease early on Veterans Day, with only isolated rain chances expected Monday afternoon.

THE NEXT BIG THING: A cold front will bring a new chance of rain and storms in the middle of next week. Take into account a chance of rain and storms for next Wednesday and Thursday. We continue to see strong signals of a wave of colder air behind next week’s cold front, so stay tuned!

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