Nice weather here next couple of days, Hurricane Francine strengthens, New tropical system possible for Carolinas next week

Partly sunny and pleasant weather is expected today across the Pee Dee. High temperatures for Dillon and Marion counties 81 to 84. Partly cloudy tonight. Lows 61 to 64. Thursday will have increasing clouds. Highs again 81 to 84. It still looks like the chance for scattered showers will increase for Friday and the weekend. By late this weekend and early next week, we will have to watch for the possibility of a new tropical system forming off the Carolina coast and then moving inland.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Francine in the Gulf of Mexico strengthened overnight. Early this morning the center of the hurricane was 195 miles SW of Morgan City, Louisiana, moving NE at 12 mph. Maximum winds were 90 mph. A little more strengthening is possible today, with landfall expected on the Louisiana coast late today or this evening. Here is the latest satellite loop and the forecast track from the National Hurricane Center.