Weather
Delaware Weather: 33° Frost Before 70° Warmup Oct 25-26
Wilmington, DE – A widespread early morning frost threat is affecting portions of Delaware on Sunday, Oct. 25, as temperatures near 33 degrees create potentially damaging conditions for sensitive outd
By Nolan Pierce · 2026-10-25T08:25:52.395Z
Wilmington, DE – A widespread early morning frost threat is affecting portions of Delaware on Sunday, Oct. 25, as temperatures near 33 degrees create potentially damaging conditions for sensitive outdoor vegetation. The National Weather Service has maintained a Frost Advisory until 9 a.m. EDT, covering communities across New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties. Residents with vulnerable plants and late season gardens are being urged to take protective measures before the coldest conditions ease. A significant afternoon warmup is expected, with Wilmington reaching approximately 68 degrees under sunny skies.
According to the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey, the advisory includes portions of central, northern and southern Delaware, along with northeastern Maryland and southeastern Pennsylvania. Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown, Centreville and other communities are included in the alert. Forecasters warn that temperatures as low as 33 degrees could allow frost to form, potentially damaging or killing sensitive outdoor plants left uncovered. The advisory was updated at 3:25 a.m. Sunday and remains in effect through 9 a.m.
Frost Advisory Covers Much of Delaware The coldest conditions are expected during the early morning hours, when temperatures near the ground can fall low enough for frost to develop on exposed vegetation. Wilmington International Airport reported a temperature of 37 degrees at 3:51 a.m. Sunday, with a wind chill of 33 degrees and humidity near 96%. Although the airport observation remained above freezing, temperatures can vary across nearby neighborhoods, particularly in sheltered and low lying locations.
The advisory specifically highlights the potential for damage to tender outdoor vegetation. Late season flowers, vegetable gardens and potted plants may be vulnerable, especially where frost forms directly on leaves and exposed surfaces. Residents are encouraged to cover sensitive plants or move containers indoors when possible. Frost can develop even when official air temperatures remain slightly above freezing, making localized conditions important during the early morning period.
Sunshine Brings a Rapid Afternoon Warmup The cold morning will contrast sharply with the afternoon forecast as sunshine pushes Wilmington's temperature toward 68 degrees Sunday. Calm winds are expected throughout much of the day, allowing conditions to become considerably more comfortable once the early frost threat passes. Sunday night should remain mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to approximately 41 degrees, well above the regional minimum highlighted in the morning advisory.
Monday, Oct. 26, brings another mild afternoon as temperatures climb to approximately 70 degrees. Skies should begin partly sunny before becoming sunny later in the day, with calm winds turning westerly around 5 mph during the afternoon. Monday night remains clear, with temperatures falling to around 49 degrees, continuing the transition away from Sunday's colder start.
For motorists traveling along Interstate 95, Interstate 495 and Route 13, the supplied forecast indicates generally dry conditions through the beginning of the workweek. No freezing precipitation, snow or significant travel disruptions are identified in the local outlook. The immediate concern remains the potential impact of frost on outdoor vegetation rather than widespread hazardous roadway conditions.
Mild Weather Continues Through Halloween Tuesday brings sunshine and an afternoon high near 67 degrees, followed by mostly clear skies and a low around 44 degrees. Wednesday, Oct. 28, should remain mostly sunny, with temperatures reaching approximately 66 degrees before falling to 47 degrees Wednesday night.
The warming trend strengthens Thursday and Friday, with highs expected near 70 and 74 degrees, respectively. Saturday, Oct. 31, is projected to remain mostly sunny with temperatures near 72 degrees, offering favorable daytime conditions for Halloween activities across Wilmington and surrounding communities.
The forecast suggests Sunday's frost threat will be followed by several days of relatively mild late October weather. However, gardeners should continue monitoring nighttime temperatures as colder conditions become increasingly common heading into November.
Have you already protected your outdoor plants from Sunday's frost, or are you hoping the warmer temperatures will keep your garden going a little longer?
Five Day Weather Outlook Sunday 10/25: Patchy frost is expected before 9 a.m., with regional temperatures potentially reaching 33 degrees. Wilmington should become sunny with a high near 68 degrees, followed by mostly clear skies and a low around 41 degrees.
Monday 10/26: Partly sunny skies during the morning give way to sunshine, with temperatures reaching approximately 70 degrees and calm winds becoming westerly around 5 mph. Clear conditions follow Monday night, with temperatures dropping to around 49 degrees.
Tuesday 10/27: Sunny skies dominate Wilmington, with an afternoon high near 67 degrees and north winds around 5 mph. Mostly clear skies continue Tuesday night, with temperatures falling to approximately 44 degrees across the area.
Wednesday 10/28: Mostly sunny conditions are expected with an afternoon high near 66 degrees, continuing the generally mild late October pattern. Wednesday night becomes mostly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to approximately 47 degrees.
Thursday 10/29: Mostly sunny skies accompany a warming trend, with afternoon temperatures climbing to approximately 70 degrees. Mostly clear conditions follow Thursday night, with temperatures settling around 50 degrees ahead of an even warmer Friday.
Extended Weather Outlook Friday, Oct. 30, is expected to bring sunshine and an afternoon high near 74 degrees, followed by mostly clear skies and an overnight low around 52 degrees.
Saturday, Oct. 31, should remain mostly sunny, with temperatures reaching approximately 72 degrees during the afternoon.
The supplied National Weather Service forecast does not establish reliable temperature or precipitation trends for the full six to 10 day period beyond these dates.