SAVANNAH, Ga. () — As we usher in the new year, a pleasantly warmer weather pattern emerges. On New Year’s Day, the skies offered sunshine and temperatures rose to the mid-60s, with some areas even reaching the upper 60s.

The warmth is set to continue over the next couple of days, although we can expect an increase in cloudiness and rain possibilities.

Friday will dawn with partly cloudy conditions, and morning temperatures ranging from the upper 30s to the lower 40s. By afternoon, most of the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry will enjoy highs climbing into the mid- to upper-60s.

While there is a chance of a few isolated showers in the afternoon and evening, much of the region will likely remain dry on Friday. However, Saturday afternoon and evening are expected to bring more widespread rainfall.

A developing storm system in the Southern Plains is projected to travel across Georgia and South Carolina on Saturday, bringing with it a significant likelihood of scattered rain and potential thunderstorms.

Saturday will start out with a mainly cloudy sky and a few isolated showers. Temperatures ahead of the afternoon rain will quickly warm into the upper 60s to lower 70s.

Rain chances will be higher in the mid-afternoon and into the evening as a cold front moves from west to east. The bulk of the rain and thunderstorm activity will set up between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The main concern will be pockets of heavy rain along with breezy and gusty winds. Rainfall totals for most of the area will be 0.50″ and 1.00″ with higher amounts locally with thunderstorms.

A few isolated strong or severe storms are possible with damaging wind as the main threat. The overall risk for severe storms is LOW at this time for Saturday.

A drier and slightly cooler day is expected on Sunday. A northerly breeze will bring in a cooler and drier airmass which will bring temperatures back to the upper 50s to lower 60s.

Temperatures will gradually become warmer again starting on Monday with highs back into the lower to middle 60s.

Highs will be well above normal for the middle to later part of the week. Highs Tuesday through Thursday will be in the upper 60s to lower 70s. A few locations may even top out close to 80°F.