SAVANNAH, Ga. — The delightful weather that graced the area is set to persist through Saturday, although a shift in conditions is anticipated in the coming days.

On Friday, residents enjoyed mostly sunny skies, with the brisk morning temperatures warming up to a comfortably mild afternoon. Saturday promises a similar pattern, albeit with a gradual increase in cloud cover as the day progresses.

By Sunday, the arrival of a new weather system will herald a transition in the atmospheric conditions. Originating from the Great Plains, this storm system is expected to move east over the weekend, bringing with it the potential for rain.

Sunday afternoon may see a 30% chance of showers as the first signs of the incoming system make their presence felt. As we move into Monday, scattered showers and the possibility of a few thunderstorms are forecasted. However, severe storms are unlikely since the areas of highest instability and wind energy are projected to remain further west, across the Deep South.

Scattered showers and a few storms are expected at times Monday. Severe storms are not anticipated as the best instability and wind energy will line up farther west across the Deep South.

Rain chances linger through midweek until a strong cold front makes it through the area ahead of Halloween.

Melissa remains a tropical storm, but it has shown huge improvements in organization to close Friday. The system is expected to rapidly intensify this weekend, with the National Hurricane Center forecasting a strong category 4 hurricane as it closes in on Jamaica. 

The forecast track has it impacting the island nation, before pulling away by midweek. Significant rainfall leading to flooding is expected for Jamaica, Cuba and the island of Hispaniola.

The Southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos will get brushed next week before it heads out to sea.

Cold fronts making it through our area coupled with a weak Bermuda High will keep Melissa away from the Southeast US. High waves and hazardous beach conditions will become an issue by the end of next week.

There are no tropical threats to the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry at this time.