Delaware starts the day under a sharp winter chill as clear skies allow temperatures to drop fast. Breath clouds the air. Windshields glisten with frost. Readings hover near 20 degrees across Wilmington, setting up slick conditions early.
According to the National Weather Service, the immediate concern is early travel. Bridges, ramps, and shaded roadways may hold icy patches for a time. Drivers should slow down and allow extra stopping distance until temperatures climb above freezing later this morning.
The Weather pattern begins shifting through midweek. Sunshine helps temperatures rebound into the low 30s today, then warmer air builds Wednesday. Highs reach the mid-40s, offering a brief break from the cold snap as clouds gradually increase.
Attention turns to Thursday, December 18th, when a developing system approaches the Mid-Atlantic. Rain becomes likely late Thursday into Thursday night, with precipitation chances near 90 percent. Wet pavement may slow travel along I-95, Route 202, and major Wilmington surface streets during the evening commute.
Temperatures rise into the low-to-mid 50s Thursday, keeping precipitation as rain. However, colder air follows behind the system. Any lingering moisture could refreeze late Thursday night or early Friday, raising a black ice risk for early-morning drivers.
Friday improves gradually. A few showers may linger early, then skies begin to clear. Highs reach the low 50s, though a breeze keeps conditions brisk. The weekend looks quieter and cooler. Saturday stays mostly sunny with highs near 40, while Sunday trends milder with highs near 49.
While snow is not expected, December’s freeze-thaw cycle is firmly in place. These quick temperature swings often create hidden travel hazards during early holiday travel weeks.
Five-Day Outlook for Wilmington, DE
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 44°
- Thursday: Rain late, high near 54°
- Friday: Early rain, high near 52°
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 40°
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 49°
