Weather
Delaware Weather Alert: Frost, Warm Halloween Before Nov 1
Wilmington, DE – A frost advisory remains in effect across parts of Delaware until 9 a.m. Monday, October 26, as temperatures as low as 35 degrees could produce frost capable of damaging sensitive out
By Natalie Brooks · 2026-10-26T08:10:23.722Z
Wilmington, DE – A frost advisory remains in effect across parts of Delaware until 9 a.m. Monday, October 26, as temperatures as low as 35 degrees could produce frost capable of damaging sensitive outdoor plants. The early morning cold comes ahead of a significant warmup, with Wilmington potentially reaching 76 degrees Friday before clocks fall back Sunday, November 1.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey, the frost advisory covers New Castle, Kent and inland Sussex counties in Delaware, along with portions of northeastern Maryland and southern New Jersey. The advisory, updated at 3:18 a.m. Monday, warns that frost could harm tender vegetation and potentially kill sensitive outdoor plants left uncovered.
Communities included in the advisory area include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Middletown and Georgetown, along with nearby areas of Maryland and New Jersey. Residents with outdoor gardens, flowers or temperature sensitive vegetation should take protective measures before the advisory expires at 9 a.m.
Despite the chilly start, Wilmington's forecast points toward a mostly sunny and increasingly mild final week of October. Monday afternoon temperatures are expected to reach approximately 70 degrees under sunny skies, with light west winds increasing to 5 10 mph.
Tuesday brings another sunny afternoon, although temperatures cool slightly to around 67 degrees. Overnight lows are forecast near 45 degrees, considerably warmer than the temperatures responsible for Monday morning's frost concerns.
Wednesday remains mostly sunny, with highs near 66 degrees before temperatures begin climbing Thursday. Mostly sunny skies and highs around 71 degrees are expected, followed by overnight temperatures near 52 degrees.
By Friday, October 30, Wilmington could experience its warmest afternoon of the forecast period. Sunshine and temperatures near 76 degrees are expected, providing a sharp contrast to the frost advisory issued earlier in the week.
Halloween arrives Saturday, October 31, with mostly sunny skies and highs near 72 degrees. Temperatures are expected to fall toward 55 degrees Saturday night under mostly cloudy skies, offering relatively mild conditions for families attending Halloween activities.
Sunday, November 1, brings mostly cloudy skies and another high near 71 degrees. Before sunrise, daylight saving time officially ends at 2 a.m. local time, when clocks move backward one hour to 1 a.m. as Delaware returns to Eastern Standard Time.
Most smartphones and connected devices will adjust automatically, although traditional clocks and household appliances may require manual changes. Sunrise and sunset will occur approximately one hour earlier by the clock, bringing darker evenings for commuters and families.
Looking into November 2 8, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center favors above normal temperatures and precipitation across Delaware. However, the longer range outlook does not establish a specific major storm or significant snowfall threat for Wilmington.
For now, the immediate concerns are Monday morning's frost advisory, Friday's substantial warmup and Sunday's clock change.
Are you ready to turn your clocks back Sunday, or are you more focused on protecting plants from Monday morning's frost?
Wilmington Five Day Weather Forecast Monday, October 26: Frost advisory until 9 a.m. across the affected counties. Sunny, with a high near 70°F. Clear Monday night, with a low around 51°F. West winds increasing to 5 10 mph.
Tuesday, October 27: Sunny, with a high near 67°F. Mostly clear Tuesday night, with a low around 45°F. North winds around 5 mph.
Wednesday, October 28: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66°F. Mostly cloudy Wednesday night, with a low around 48°F.
Thursday, October 29: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71°F. Mostly clear Thursday night, with a low around 52°F.
Friday, October 30: Sunny, with a high near 76°F. Mostly clear Friday night, with a low around 53°F.
Saturday, October 31 — Halloween: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72°F. Mostly cloudy Saturday night, with a low around 55°F.
Sunday, November 1 — Daylight Saving Time Ends: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71°F. Clocks move backward one hour at 2 a.m. local time, returning to 1 a.m. as Eastern Standard Time begins. Delaware residents gain an extra hour overnight, while sunset will occur approximately one hour earlier by the clock.
November 2 8 NOAA Extended Outlook NOAA's Climate Prediction Center favors above normal temperatures across Delaware during November 2 8, suggesting the relatively mild conditions expected toward the end of October could continue into the opening week of November.
Above normal precipitation is also favored across Delaware and much of the Mid Atlantic region. However, this outlook represents the probability of precipitation exceeding seasonal averages rather than a forecast for daily rainfall or specific storm totals.
The agency's separate November 2 8 hazard outlooks identify slight risks of high winds, heavy precipitation and heavy mountain snow across portions of the western and central United States. Delaware is not included in those highlighted slight risk areas.
While a wetter pattern may develop across the Mid Atlantic, the supplied NOAA guidance does not establish a significant storm, accumulating snowfall or damaging wind event for Wilmington during the outlook period.
Residents should continue monitoring updated National Weather Service forecasts for changes in early November conditions.