textproduct: Huntsville

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 1122 AM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

- Flood Watch in effect for areas east of I-65 in northern AL through 7 PM today.

- Medium to high chances for rain and thunderstorms will continue through Saturday.

- Heat Risk increases to Moderate Risk (level 2 out of 4) Sunday/Monday and then Major (level 3 out of 4) on Tuesday

NEAR TERM

(Tonight) Issued at 246 PM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

Convection this afternoon has been mostly confined to areas south of the TN river. Radar estimates that between 1.5 to 2 inches of rain has fallen over Cullman County since early this morning and that area will be our biggest concern for localized flooding as we head into this evening. Heavy rain over Winston County can be seen currently moving east into Cullman County and with PWATs near 2.3-2.5" in some locations, we could see rainfall rates of 2" per hour. With the convergence boundary stationary along Cullman, Marshall, and DeKalb counties, we have cancelled the Flood Watch for our southern middle TN counties. The current Flood Watch over north central and northeast AL will expire at 7pm this evening, with the potential for an extension if the threat for heavy rainfall trends higher tomorrow. Otherwise, low rain chances will linger overnight with the potential for low stratus/dense fog especially in areas of higher terrain.

SHORT TERM

(Saturday through Sunday) Issued at 246 PM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

The eastward expansion of an upper ridge over the western/central CONUS will bring a bit of a pattern change for the TN Valley over the weekend - but not necessarily in a good way. Medium to high rain chances will pick back up again Saturday with PWATs near 2.2-2.3". This will prolong the flooding threat across northern AL, but the limited coverage and rainfall so far this week has kept confidence in flooding too low to warrant an extension of the Flood Watch at this point. That being said, any additional showers and thunderstorms tomorrow would work to exacerbate flooding across areas that receive heavy rainfall today. Radar trends will need to be monitored closely, and those with outdoor plans need to be prepared for heavy rainfall and lightning.

A weak upper wave will move through late Saturday and a slightly drier airmass will begin to filter in. As the aforementioned ridge expands into the Southeast, we will trade the rain and storms for a bigger heat concern starting Sunday. Afternoon temps will rise to the upper 80s/lower 90s with humidity bringing heat indices into the 100-106 degree range across areas along and west of I-65. While widespread Heat Advisory criteria does not look to be met at this point, it will be the first of a long stretch of hot and humid conditions and the risk for heat related incidents will only increase as we head into the work week. Please remember to practice heat safety by staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, and never leaving people or pets unattended in vehicles!

LONG TERM

(Sunday night through Thursday) Issued at 955 PM CDT Thu Jul 23 2026

The long term period will be largely influenced by an upper level ridge and subsequent sfc high over the southern Plains into the Deep South. As a result, the Tennessee Valley will remain in a NW flow pattern through mid week with a rising temperature trend. High temperatures are forecast to reach the low to mid 90s on Monday and will increase into the upper 90s by Tuesday. Heat products may be considered in future updates this weekend as heat index temperatures are forecast to warm near or above 105 degrees. Mid week, slight relief from heat is on the table as a frontal boundary drops southward from a potential low pressure system shifting into the northeast Appalachian region. However, confidence is low in this at this time as it will depend on upper level trough placement/depth. Have continued with blended guidance at this time, which brings low chances (30% or less) of rainfall back to the area Wednesday into Thursday to account for the potential frontal boundary.

AVIATION

(18Z TAFS) Issued at 1239 PM CDT Fri Jul 24 2026

MVFR conditions have prevailed across the area with a broken deck of stratus clouds holding near 2-3kft. Coverage of showers and thunderstorms is also increasing across areas south of the TN River with medium to high chances continuing through the remainder of the TAF period. We have low confidence on whether or not we will see fog or very low stratus tomorrow morning, so adjustments to lower cigs/vsbys during the morning hours may be needed in future forecasts. Amendments may become necessary if the convergence boundary drifts north more and thunderstorms begin to impact the terminals.

HUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

AL...Flood Watch until 7 PM CDT this evening for ALZ006>010-016.

TN...None.