FIRST ALERT: Skies gradually starting to brighten

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Persistent cloudy skies will gradually start to brighten up on Friday with much more sunshine on tap for the weekend.

Low pressure will gradually move from near the Bahamas tonight and pass well east of the region on Friday. A cold front will sweep through the area this weekend and result in much more sunshine for the weekend.

TONIGHT

Cloudy skies will remain in place tonight as milder air remains in place. Temperatures will only drop to around 60 on the beaches and into the lower to middle 50s inland.

FRIDAY

Low pressure will pass offshore during the day on Friday. Once again, cloudy skies will prevail, but dry air in the lower atmosphere will keep rain chances limited to just 20%. A few peeks of sunshine will be possible at times with temperatures climbing into lower 70s by the afternoon.

THIS WEEKEND

Brighter skies will return by Saturday along with more warmth as temperatures climb into the lower 70s by the afternoon. A cold front will sweep across the region late in the day on Saturday ushering in cooler and drier weather that will finally clear the skies.

Cooler temperatures and a gusty wind return to the region on Sunday when afternoon readings will only reach the lower 60s as sunshine continues.

A more active weather pattern returns early next week with the best chance of rain arriving on Tuesday.