Weather
Delaware Weather Alert: Frost Before 70° Warmup Oct 24-26
Wilmington, DE – Chilly nights and patchy frost will bring a taste of late autumn cold to Wilmington and northern Delaware this weekend before sunshine sends temperatures climbing toward 70 degrees Mo
By Caleb Mercer · 2026-10-23T09:07:55.971Z
Wilmington, DE – Chilly nights and patchy frost will bring a taste of late autumn cold to Wilmington and northern Delaware this weekend before sunshine sends temperatures climbing toward 70 degrees Monday, Oct. 26. The National Weather Service expects overnight lows near 37 degrees Friday and Saturday, with frost possible during the early morning hours. The colder conditions could affect sensitive outdoor plants across New Castle County, while a gradual daytime warmup will offer residents more comfortable weather heading into the new workweek.
According to the National Weather Service forecast for Wilmington, patchy frost is expected after 4 a.m. Saturday, followed by another opportunity for frost after 3 a.m. Sunday. Temperatures are forecast to fall near 37 degrees on both nights, despite afternoon highs remaining in the lower 60s. By Monday, temperatures could reach approximately 70 degrees under sunny skies, making it the warmest day in the available forecast.
Frost Potential Continues Through Sunday Morning Friday, Oct. 23, will feature sunshine and a high near 63 degrees, with northeast winds of 10 to 15 mph. Mostly clear skies are expected Friday night as temperatures fall toward 37 degrees. Northeast winds around 5 mph will accompany the colder conditions, with patchy frost possible after 4 a.m. Saturday.
Saturday, Oct. 24, begins with patchy frost before 8 a.m., followed by sunshine and another high near 63 degrees. North winds around 5 mph will become calm during the afternoon. The colder pattern will return Saturday night, when temperatures fall to approximately 37 degrees and patchy frost becomes possible again after 3 a.m. Sunday.
Sunday, Oct. 25, will bring patchy frost before 9 a.m., followed by sunny skies and a high near 66 degrees. Northwest winds around 5 mph will shift west during the afternoon. Mostly clear skies are expected Sunday night, with temperatures falling near 39 degrees as the area approaches Monday's warmer conditions.
What the Frost Means for Residents and Travel The repeated frost potential could affect sensitive flowers, vegetables and potted plants across Wilmington and nearby New Castle County communities. Frost can develop even when standard air temperatures remain above freezing because exposed surfaces may cool below 32 degrees. Residents with vulnerable outdoor vegetation should consider moving containers indoors or covering plants before the coldest early morning hours.
Drivers traveling along Interstate 95, Interstate 495 and Route 13 may encounter frost on parked vehicles during early departures. Allowing extra time to clear windshields could help prevent unnecessary delays. However, the supplied forecast does not indicate freezing precipitation, accumulating snow or widespread icy roadway conditions.
Monday Warmup Brings a Brief Break From the Chill Monday, Oct. 26, is expected to bring sunshine and a high near 70 degrees, representing a 7 degree increase from Friday's projected high. Monday night will remain clear, with temperatures falling near 49 degrees. The warmer overnight conditions should provide a noticeable break from the weekend's colder mornings.
Tuesday will remain sunny, with temperatures reaching approximately 66 degrees before falling near 43 degrees at night. Wednesday should bring mostly sunny skies and a high near 63, followed by a mostly cloudy night around 45. Thursday could bring another modest warmup to approximately 67 degrees.
No significant storms or precipitation are indicated in the supplied forecast through Thursday. For residents making weekend plans, the main weather concern will be protecting frost sensitive plants before sunrise while preparing for milder afternoons.
Are you covering outdoor plants this weekend, or looking forward to Wilmington's 70 degree Monday?
Five Day Weather Outlook Friday 10/23: Sunny skies will bring a high near 63 degrees, with northeast winds of 10 to 15 mph. Mostly clear conditions will follow tonight, with temperatures falling to approximately 37 degrees and patchy frost possible after 4 a.m.
Saturday 10/24: Patchy frost is expected before 8 a.m., followed by sunshine and a high near 63 degrees. North winds around 5 mph will become calm during the afternoon, with another low near 37 and patchy frost possible late Saturday night.
Sunday 10/25: Patchy frost is possible before 9 a.m., followed by sunny skies and temperatures reaching approximately 66 degrees. Northwest winds around 5 mph will become westerly during the afternoon, with mostly clear skies and a low near 39 degrees Sunday night.
Monday 10/26: Sunshine will push temperatures toward 70 degrees, making Monday the warmest day in the five day outlook. Clear skies will continue Monday night, with temperatures falling to approximately 49 degrees.
Tuesday 10/27: Sunny conditions will continue across Wilmington, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 66 degrees. Mostly clear skies will follow Tuesday night, allowing temperatures to fall near 43 degrees as cooler autumn conditions return.
Extended Weather Outlook Wednesday, Oct. 28, is expected to be mostly sunny, with a high near 63 degrees. Wednesday night will become mostly cloudy, with temperatures falling to approximately 45 degrees.
Thursday, Oct. 29, should bring mostly sunny skies and a high near 67 degrees.
The supplied forecast does not include verified precipitation probabilities or detailed conditions beyond Thursday. No additional six to 10 day storm threat can be established from the available information.