North Carolina – A crisp coastal breeze is cutting through Wilmington this afternoon, where temperatures are still hovering in the low 40s and winds are keeping it feeling even cooler.
According to the National Weather Service, northeast winds are running between 9 and 11 mph with gusts nearing 18 mph, maintaining a brisk feel despite full sunshine. The dry air and clear skies are allowing temperatures to rebound steadily, but it takes time to shake off that early chill.
Across New Hanover and Brunswick counties, roads remain dry and visibility is excellent, but the cooler air can still catch pedestrians and early commuters off guard. Light jackets remain a good call through late afternoon, especially near the Cape Fear River and coastal bridges where winds tend to funnel.
By Friday, conditions shift noticeably. Highs climb to around 75°, and winds ease, creating a much more comfortable spring setup. Expect bright sunshine across Wilmington, Leland, and Carolina Beach, with ideal conditions for outdoor plans and travel.
The weekend brings a stronger warm surge. Saturday reaches near 82°, followed by upper 70s Sunday with continued sunshine. That warming trend continues into early next week, with highs pushing into the low 80s by Monday and mid-80s by midweek.
Meteorologists note this is a classic spring swing. Cool mornings quickly give way to warm afternoons, increasing the risk of fatigue for those working outdoors. Stay hydrated and dress in layers to adjust through the day.
Five Day Forecast for Wilmington, NC:
Friday: Sunny, high near 75°
Saturday: Sunny, high near 82°, low 56°
Sunday: Sunny, high near 78°, low 59°
Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 80°, low 60°
Tuesday: Sunny, high near 83°, low 62°
