Gulf Coast faces rain Tuesday and Wednesday before weekend temperature drop

The Gulf Coast weather pattern shifts from warm and quiet to wet and cooler this week. Showers and thunderstorms are moving into the Mobile County area, bringing rain chances to 40 percent for Tuesday afternoon and evening. Meteorologists forecast a high near 79 degrees with southeast winds blowing at 10 to 15 mph.

Tuesday rain will likely remain light, with most areas receiving less than a tenth of an inch. However, narrow bands of rain within thunderstorms could produce heavier downpours and gusty winds. The threat of organized severe weather remains low, as stronger upper-level energy is expected to stay north of the region. Showers will shift eastward tonight, with patchy fog possible after midnight.

Wednesday brings another round of scattered showers as a cold front approaches. Rain chances stay near 40 percent, with a high near 82 degrees. Coverage will be more scattered along the coast, while northern counties may see stronger showers. A brief dry period is possible early in the day before activity resumes.

The front is expected to weaken and linger through Thursday and Friday. Most locations should see partly to mostly sunny skies on Thursday with a high near 82 degrees. Friday offers a 30 percent chance of scattered showers as a disturbance moves through, with highs near 79 degrees.

A noticeable cooldown arrives for the weekend as cooler, drier air settles in. Saturday will be mostly sunny, but highs will only reach 75 degrees. Sunday will be cooler, with a high near 70 degrees. Overnight lows will drop into the 50s Saturday night and the middle 40s by Sunday night.

The forecast indicates that while a few locally gusty downpours are possible, widespread severe weather is not anticipated. Limited instability should prevent storms from becoming widespread or particularly organized. The main change for residents will be the shift from highs in the 80s to the 70s and 60s by the end of the week.