Delaware – A hard chill grips the region this morning, and breath fogs the air with every step. Pavement stays dry early, but conditions won’t hold steady for long as a weak winter system approaches tonight.
Temperatures rise into the upper 30s this afternoon across Wilmington and nearby southeastern Pennsylvania suburbs. Clouds dominate, keeping the air muted and gray. By late evening, moisture arrives just as surface temperatures hover near freezing. That timing raises concern for a brief window of freezing rain before clouds thin.
The National Weather Service shows a slight chance of freezing rain developing late tonight. Even light icing can create slick spots on untreated roads, bridges, and ramps. I-95, Route 202, and neighborhood streets near the Christina River could see reduced traction after dark. Drivers should stay alert for black ice, especially where pavement looks wet.
Wednesday turns brighter and breezy. Sunshine pushes highs near 40, melting any lingering glaze quickly. Gusty winds follow, making it feel colder than temperatures suggest. As skies clear Wednesday night, temperatures fall into the mid-20s. Meltwater refreezes again, renewing the flash-freeze risk into early Thursday.
Thursday stays mostly sunny and seasonably cold, topping out near 36. Friday remains quiet with sunshine and highs near 37. Attention then shifts to Valentine’s Day weekend. Saturday looks pleasant for February, reaching the low 40s with sunshine. Sunday brings increasing clouds and a chance of rain mixing with snow by evening as another system approaches.
Looking farther out, NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook signals a warming trend next week across the Mid-Atlantic. Above-normal temperatures could arrive Monday through Saturday, hinting at an early thaw after weeks of winter chill.
For now, plan extra time if traveling tonight, slow down on bridges, and watch for icy patches after dark. Are roads slick where you are this evening? Share what you’re seeing.
Five-Day Outlook for Wilmington
• Today: Mostly cloudy, high near 38
• Wednesday: Sunny and windy, high near 40
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 36
• Friday: Sunny, high near 37
• Saturday: Sunny, high near 42
