Warmest day of the year, followed by strong storms into Friday

Once a cool front passes through Friday night, much drier air will work into the area with gusty winds. Highs will warm to 80 in the Upstate and 75 for the mountains. A rather strong storm system moves into the Plains Friday with a line of storms expected to develop in the afternoon. All modes of severe weather are included in the forecast mix: damaging winds, pockets of large hail, and even the potential for one or two tornadoes. "This is the time to plan for what you or your family should do in case of a severe weather warning".

Scattered severe storms will be possible Friday, and that could impact the Hogeye Marathon Expo in downtown Springdale.

During a severe storm, particularly in the spring and summer months, it's not uncommon for households to lose electricity, heat or water for a period of time.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has departed from the Storm Prediction Center and issued a different severe weather outlook for central Alabama.

It will turn quite windy on Friday with very warm temperatures into the lower 80s.

This will eventually give way to the week's main weather maker, a cold front, which is expected to sweep across Acadiana on Saturday morning producing heavy showers and possible thunderstorms.

Sunday will bring a potent cold front into the area. The accuracy increases the closer you get to a weather event. Nights will drop back to near freezing. These storms will be a high wind/large hail threat, but an isolated weak tornado can't be ruled out overnight. This will make for an easy Wednesday forecast with plenty of sunshine and highs into the lower 70s.