Heavy downpours Thursday were a prelude to a wet weekend forecast that calls for more heavy rainfall and possibly severe thunderstorms that could bring damaging winds and large hail.

After heavy rain Thursday, the National Weather Service in Huntsville advised residents to be aware of patchy fog developing at daybreak Friday which will limit visibilities. Showers that soaked the area Thursday will diminish Friday, and after a short dry spell, there may be few peeks of sunshine before the next system moves in from the west.

This stronger system will take shape over the southern plains and head for North Alabama, bringing another chance of showers late Friday and throughout much of the weekend. Periods of thunderstorms and locally heavy rainfall are possible Saturday into early Sunday as a strong upper level system moves into the Southeast.

The weather service said activation of storm spotters and emergency management personnel is possible Saturday through Sunday.

Forecasters noted that a modest amount of shear in an already unstable environment could produce marginally severe storms. The main threats are large hail and wind gusts. Another round of strong to severe storms are possible Sunday.

Rain chances will decrease throughout Sunday with breezy northerly winds. Cooler, drier air will filter in, and residents should expect colder overnight temps in the upper 30s Monday night.

Following this rain system, dry conditions and unseasonable temperatures around 60 degrees are expected to return Tuesday. They’ll likely stick around Tuesday night with a forecast low in the mid to upper 40s.

The next best chance of rain will be Wednesday as a weak cold front moves through from the Great Lakes.

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor released Thursday, 67.3 percent of Cullman County is experiencing “extreme drought” (D3) which is just one level below the worst designation while the rest are in “severe drought” (D2).