Wilmington, NC – A sharp return to winter-like weather is expected across eastern North Carolina this weekend, with cold temperatures and biting wind chills raising concerns for vulnerable populations, including seniors, infants, and those without reliable shelter.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, high temperatures on Saturday are forecast to remain in the upper 30s to low 40s, while overnight lows are expected to fall into the upper teens to low 20s. Breezy conditions could push wind chill values into the teens, especially late Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Forecasters say temperatures will recover slightly on Sunday, but conditions will remain chilly enough to require cold-weather precautions. Officials urge residents to dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and limit prolonged outdoor exposure.
The National Weather Service warns that extreme cold can be dangerous for newborns, elderly individuals, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and the unhoused. Cold exposure increases the risk of hypothermia and frostbite, particularly during overnight and early morning hours.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Check on elderly neighbors, friends, and family members
- Bring pets indoors or ensure adequate shelter
- Use space heaters safely and avoid unsafe heating sources
- Consume warm foods and beverages while avoiding alcohol, which can increase heat loss
Emergency managers stress that even brief exposure to cold wind chills can become dangerous without proper protection.
Additional cold safety information and preparedness tips are available at weather.gov/safety/cold.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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