North Carolina’s Cape Fear coast starts mild and quiet, but clouds are thickening over Wilmington as showers edge closer late this morning. Temperatures are already in the lower 60s and will climb toward 78 degrees this afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, a 30 percent chance of showers continues today, mainly before midafternoon. Southwest winds between 8 and 15 mph could gust as high as 25 mph. Roads along U.S. 17, College Road, and Market Street may turn briefly slick during passing showers.
Keep rain gear nearby if heading out midday.
Rain chances increase tonight, with lows near 55 degrees and scattered showers possible after midnight. The wetter stretch arrives Saturday. Showers become likely, especially after 4 p.m., with an 80 percent chance of rain and highs near 67 degrees.
Saturday night looks soggy. Showers remain likely, and rainfall totals between a quarter and half inch are possible by early Sunday.
Sunday stays damp, with rain likely before early afternoon and highs near 59 degrees. Winds shift northwest and gust up to 22 mph as colder air filters in.
That colder push sets up a sharp drop by Sunday night.
Lows fall near 32 degrees, raising concerns for a light freeze inland. Any standing water could refreeze toward daybreak Monday. Highs Monday reach only the upper 40s under mostly sunny skies.
Tuesday stays bright and cool near 50 before a midweek rebound toward 60 degrees. Longer-range trends point to above-normal temperatures late next week, signaling early spring warmth building across southeastern North Carolina.
Five-Day Outlook – Wilmington, NC
Saturday: Showers likely, high 67.
Sunday: Rain likely, high 59.
Monday: Mostly sunny, high 49.
Tuesday: Sunny, high 50.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, high 60.
