North Carolina’s Cape Fear coast is turning windy and dry, and that combination is raising fire concerns across the Wilmington area this morning. Flags snap hard in the breeze, and dry grass along U.S. 17 bends under steady north winds.
A Fire Danger Statement is in effect from 11 a.m. through 8 p.m. for coastal and inland communities around Wilmington . Forecasters warn that dry fine fuels, ongoing drought conditions, and gusty winds will create elevated fire danger today. North winds will range from 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. Relative humidity is expected to fall to 25 to 30 percent this afternoon.
Any spark could spread quickly in these conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, temperatures will climb to around 57 degrees today after early clouds give way to sunshine. The breezy pattern continues through the afternoon before easing tonight, with lows dropping to 38 degrees under clear skies.
Avoid outdoor burning and secure trailer chains if traveling on U.S. 74 or I-140. Even small embers can ignite roadside brush.
Sunday turns sunny and milder, with highs near 66. Monday warms further to 74 degrees under mostly sunny skies. By Tuesday, temperatures reach 77 degrees, with mostly clear conditions continuing into midweek. Wednesday brings highs near 79 before rain chances increase late week.
The good news: no widespread hazardous weather is expected beyond today’s fire risk .
Warmer-than-normal temperatures heading into early April suggest a steady spring pattern along the southeast North Carolina coast.
Are you noticing stronger winds near the beaches or inland neighborhoods this morning?
