Level 1 severe weather risk for part of Alabama on Sunday

If you are heading out this Sunday, keep a close eye on the sky. Northern Alabama is bracing for the potential of severe storms arriving as early as Sunday afternoon and stretching into the evening hours.

What to Expect

NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center has officially issued a Level 1 out of 5—or marginal—severe weather risk for the northern portion of the state and northeastern parts of central Alabama. While tornadoes and hail are currently not in the forecast, the National Weather Service warns that the strongest cells could pack wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph alongside pockets of heavy rainfall. A Level 1 designation indicates that residents should stay alert for isolated severe storm activity.

Timing and Conditions

Forecasters anticipate the window for potential storm development will run from 1 p.m. to approximately 8 p.m. local time today. These storms are expected to track into the state from the northwest, driven by an approaching cold front.

Ahead of that front, it remains a sweltering Sunday across Alabama. Temperatures are hitting the upper 80s to low 90s, with high humidity levels pushing the “feels like” temperatures even higher throughout the day.

Looking Ahead

Beyond today's storms, the state is in for a wet stretch. Current forecasts suggest areas through the I-20 and I-65 corridors could see rainfall totals reaching 2 inches or more between now and Tuesday evening, with the highest amounts likely in south, central, and west Alabama. While the 205focus.com team will keep you updated on the latest weather trends, current projections show that while rain remains in the forecast through the upcoming week, no further severe weather is expected in Alabama following Sunday’s activity.