The chance for scattered thunderstorms will continue throughout the morning and into the afternoon as well, so make sure you keep that umbrella on hand.

Expect temperatures to climb into the 80s this afternoon! Today kicks off a stretch of days with temperatures at or above 80 degrees! Friday and Saturday, we’ll get close to record high temperatures in Columbia.

Friday is a First Alert Weather Day due to potential hail, damaging wind and tornadoes.

Later tonight storm chances start to pick up near 10pm and increase into the overnight. There is the small risk of a strong storm after midnight into early Friday morning where hail and wind gusts are in play.

See more in your extended forecast: webpubcontent.gray.tv/wect/MAXSevendayWECT.jpg Customize your First Alert Forecast experience with your WECT Weather App.

Friday morning may start dry, but rain and thunderstorms will become likely as a system moves toward central and south Alabama. The greatest chance for heavier rain will come during the afternoon and evening hours. Highs will remain warm in the low 80s, but wet conditions will be the main story.

There is a lunar eclipse scheduled for this early Tuesday morning. The eclipse begins at 4:50 AM and reaches its maximum point at 6:33 AM. As the moon passes in the Earth’s shadow, expect a reddish hue of the moon.

Though amounts will be very light, there stands the potential for some slippery spots on bridges and overpasses. A first alert weather day has been issued from later Monday through Tuesday morning’s rush.