Heavy storms move into Alabama Tuesday evening, and a few could be severe before 11 PM.

Thunderstorms become likely Tuesday evening over the northern half of the state: a few potentially severe through 10 PM. An Air Quality Alert remains (Code Orange) through the evening. Check the video forecast for the latest.STORMS HEADED INA round of intense thunderstorms moving from Tennessee into North Alabama this evening threatens strong wind gusts, heavy rain, and intense lightning. The greatest risk of a severe storms exists mainly north of Jefferson County: Cullman, Blount, Etowah, Cherokee, Marion, Winston, DeKalb, Jackson, Marshall, Madison, Morgan, Limestone, Lawrence, Lauderdale, Colbert and Franklin Counties through 10 PM.Storms weaken but still may pack 40mph or higher gusts through midnight in Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Calhoun, Talladega, and Clay Counties. What kind of storms? A ‘complex’ or cluster of thunderstorms arranged in a line moving from northwest to southeast (The Shoals to East Alabama) at around 40 MPH. Main threats? We expect few severe storms with wind gusts over 58 MPH. Most storms will not be quite that strong, but still may have enough wind in them to knock down trees, power lines, and rearrange patio furniture, pool umbrellas and trampolines. Lightning is also a significant risk for anyone outdoors! When will it hit? Storms arrive in the Tennessee Valley (Florence-Athens-Decatur-Huntsville-Madison) after 5 PM and move southeast across the state through the evening. Storms are more likely to the east than the west through the evening, but all of Central Alabama could get a quick shot of heavy rain and gusty winds through midnight. AIR QUALITY ALERTA code orange air quality alert has been issued for Jefferson and Shelby counties for "dirty air." Smoke from the Canadian wildfires is hovering closer to the ground, making for higher concentrations of particle pollution. This impacts those groups who are unusually sensitive. People with heart or lung disease, older adults and children should reduce their time outdoors today. Smoke thins from northwest to southeast on Tuesday; that means more direct sunlight to make it hotter ahead of a round of thunderstorms slated to arrive by late afternoon in North Alabama. Temperatures rise to the mid-90s with a heat index in the 100-105 degree range between noon and 5 p.m.A round of heavy thunderstorms moves across Tennessee Tuesday afternoon, ending up in North Alabama between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Some of those storms could be strong (possibly severe) over the Tennessee Valley; however, they should weaken and become less impactful (and fewer in number) by the time they get to Interstate 20 in the evening.HEAT PEAKS MIDWEEKA Heat Advisory is in effect for much of Central Alabama through Thursday.That means the apparent temperature (heat index) could climb as high as 108°F. It is easy to overheat in this kind of weather, so be careful to take breaks, stay hydrated, and stay as cool as you can.Rain-cooled air drops temperatures back to the 60s and low-70s early Wednesday, but a sunny sky and a lower chance of spotty storms allows the heat to build: highs in the upper 90s, a heat index in the 102-108°F range.Another complex of storms comes near northeastern Alabama Wednesday afternoon, and that may keep the heat down a little around Fort Payne, Centre, and Gadsden; Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and points south see very little opportunity for rain or a cool down from storms Wednesday or Thursday.The heat likely peaks Thursday afternoon: highs in the upper 90s, a heat index around or above 105°F, and a mostly sunny sky.LOOKING TOWARD THE WEEKENDA weak cool front moves into Alabama from the north on Friday: sparking more showers and storms along the way.Friday looks like the best chance of rain overall this week. Once the front passes, the risk of storms drops off sharply for Saturday and Sunday, and the weather looks drier (less humid, fewer storms) for the weekend and most of next week, too.CLICK TO SEE THE 7-DAY FORECASTSTAY WEATHER AWAREGet the free WVTM 13 app and turn on the alerts for the latest weather updates in your neighborhood.For the latest Birmingham weather information and central Alabama's certified most accurate forecast, watch WVTM 13 News.Current Weather ConditionsHourly Forecast | 10-Day ForecastInteractive RadarBirmingham SkycamsLive Doppler RadarSign Up For Email Weather AlertsDownload the WVTM 13 AppDon't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.