FIRST ALERT: Dry Thursday ahead of Friday soaker

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - Dry and chilly weather will continue Thursday before more soaking rain arrives by Friday.

Thickening clouds and chilly Thursday. (Source: WMBF)

Tonight will be clear and chilly with temperatures dropping into the middle 30s along the Grand Strand and into the lower 30s across the Pee Dee.

Lows tonight will drop down into the low-mid 30s under mostly clear skies. You will want the jacket or coat again Thursday morning. (Source: WMBF)

Skies will turn cloudy by Thursday afternoon as temperatures climb into the lower 50s by the afternoon.

A storm system will move through the region Thursday night and Friday with another round of soaking rain on the way. Showers will arrive across the region late Thursday night. The showers will become widespread and steady at times through Friday morning with some periods of heavy rain at times.

Rain chances increase as we head into the overnight hours Thursday into Friday. (Source: WMBF)

The steady rain will turn more spotty through the afternoon and evening hours on Friday. Temperatures will only reach the lower 50s across the beaches and struggle into the middle 40s across the Pee Dee.

Rainfall totals will reach 1 to 2 inches across most of the region on Friday, but no major flooding concerns are expected.

Rain totals will reach 1-2 inches Friday. (Source: WMBF)

Temperatures across northern and western North Carolina will be cold enough for wet snow to accumulate during the day on Friday.

Much better weather will arrive on the weekend with sunny and brisk weather expected. Temperatures will reach the lower 50s both Saturday and Sunday with nighttime temperatures dropping well into the 30s.