By Jim Stefkovich, Meteorologist, Alabama Emergency Management Agency
CLANTON – Thursday 800 am, October 1, 2026

Total rainfall through Monday is now forecast to be 1-3 inches across the northern half of the state, with 3-5 inches across the southern half and possibly higher near the coast.  Higher totals are possible anywhere across the state, with flooding possible at times, especially Saturday through Monday, as the activity will be efficient rain producers.

Scattered showers and a few thunderstorms will be possible in the southern sections today, with scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms statewide Friday into Monday, especially across the southern half.  The good news is that no severe weather in the form of damaging wind gusts is forecast for the entire event.

The rain will not be continuous each day, and even lower total amounts are possible across the northern half of Alabama in later forecasts.  Heavy rainfall along the coast and northern Gulf can disrupt precipitation from developing farther inland, which may very well be the case over the weekend into early next week.

Still, there is concern for flooding beginning Saturday in the southern sections, as total amounts by Monday evening could be 6+ inches in spots.

The rainfall will help but certainly not eliminate ongoing drought issues across the state.  Moderate to Severe Drought conditions continue to expand, and portions of western Alabama are now under Extreme Drought.