As fears of another hit subsided, meteorologists Saturday predicted a calm week for area residents filled with warm weather and sun--a welcomed change given the month of rain, clouds and gloom.

"Everybody is going to see a nice change this week as far as temperatures are concerned," said Paul Yura, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Charleston. "I think people can take a little bit of a break."

As of late Saturday, local weather service officials said Jeanne's center was poorly organized and was packing sustained winds of about 45 mph. While the storm is forecast to be better organized in coming days, it's not expected to threaten South Carolina. A cool, high-pressure system moving south from Canada, meteorologists said, will help steer Jeanne north and away from our coast.

That same high-pressure system, officials said, also is expected to deliver to the Lowcountry a nice week with high temperatures in the 70s, lows in the 50s and some clear skies. Offshore, fisherman may see strong winds with gusts of between 25 to 35 mph, but for landlubbers the forecast looks nice.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Karl, officials said, is not expected to come anywhere near the S.C. coast. As of late Saturday, Karl was packing maximum sustained winds of 115 mph, but officials said it was still way out over the Atlantic and headed on a northward path that would keep the storm at sea.

Saturday's sunny weather was a welcome change for many in the Lowcountry. Area restaurants opened their doors, golfers headed back out to the links, and the beaches again filled up with folks looking to catch a few last rays of sun before summer ends.

Charles Jordan, general manager at Poe's Tavern on Sullivan's Island, said the sunny weather translated into more patrons sitting on the outside decks for lunch. Jordan said the weather was a nice change from the past couple of weekends.

"This has been excellent," he said Saturday afternoon. "We've been busy ever since about 11:30."

The change in weather couldn't have come at a better time for folks at Wescott Plantation, North Charleston's municipal golf course off Dorchester Road. Starting Monday, the 27-hole course is set to host a three-day golf tournament with 128 players on behalf of the Senior Golf Association of Atlanta. Saturday alone, more than 110 golfers turned out to play.

"We've been sweating this one," said Mike Petty, who works in the pro shop. "If we can get some sun, then we can get more people out here."

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