Allen Strum

The main weather story across the northern Gulf Coast centers on Sunday, when a line of showers and thunderstorms sweeps through the region and brings a noticeable change in conditions. After a warm and somewhat mixed sky setup on Saturday—with highs reaching the 70s near the coast and low 80s inland—the atmosphere becomes more active heading into Sunday as a front approaches from the west.

There is a tornado watch in effect for Southwest Alabama as well as Escambia County, Florida through 6:00 a.m. Thursday morning.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Clouds and increasing humidity will continue across the Tallahassee region, the Big Bend, and extreme South Georgia as rain chances gradually rise heading into the weekend. A few showers and thunderstorms may begin to develop Friday afternoon and evening with rain chances around 30 to 50%, but the wetter stretch of weather is expected Saturday and Sunday when rain chances climb to around 80%.

Dangerous and potentially deadly rip currents continue to affect beaches along the northern Gulf Coast, prompting officials to urge extreme caution for anyone heading to the shore. Red flags have been flying at many area beaches, and beachgoers should pay close attention to the warning system before entering the water.

For conditions at Santa Rosa Island, FL click here.For conditions at Orange Beach, AL click here.For conditions at 30A click here.

Low pressure over Mexico could further develop over warm Gulf waters near Texas. The National Hurricane Center gives the low a formation chance of 40% through two days and 50% through the next seven days.

Rainy weather is expected to remain a big part of the forecast across Northwest Florida and Southwest Alabama for the next several days as a very moist tropical air mass continues over the region. Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected each day, and some locations could pick up several inches of rainfall through the week. Some estimates suggest a half foot or more through late Friday. While there will be breaks in the rain at times, residents should be prepared for frequent downpours, cloudy skies, and wet conditions through at least the latter part of the week.

Tropical Storm Arthur formed Wednesday morning in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico near the Texas coastline. Arthur was producing maximum sustained winds of around 45 mph and will move inland across Louisiana Wednesday night. While some gusty winds are possible along portions of the Gulf Coast, the primary threat from Arthur is life-threatening flooding. Heavy rainfall is expected across parts of Louisiana, Texas, and neighboring areas as the storm slowly moves inland. Arthur is a rather lopsided and overall weak tropical storm, but tropical storms do not have to be strong to produce dangerous flooding. Tropical Storm Warnings remain in effect for portions of Louisiana and Texas.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect for Northwest Florida, Southwest Alabama, and other parts of the northern Gulf Coast until 5 p.m. CDT Thursday. The watch was issued due to the severe weather threat associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur as the system moves inland across the region.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Heavy rain fell across portions of the Tallahassee region, the Florida Big Bend, and South Georgia on Friday, and the wet weather pattern is expected to continue through the weekend. Rain chances remain elevated on Saturday at around 80%, with periods of showers and thunderstorms possible at any time during the day or night. Additional rainfall amounts on Saturday are expected to average around one-half inch, although some locations could receive locally higher totals beneath heavier downpours.