Wilmington, DE – Delaware is heading into a wet and potentially slippery stretch of weather from December 18–24, with NOAA’s long-range guidance showing above-normal precipitation and temperatures leaning above normal statewide. This combination supports rain, pockets of freezing rain, and a possible rain–snow mix heading into Christmas Eve.
According to NOAA, northern Delaware—including Wilmington, Newark, and New Castle—sits close to the region where marginal temperatures could allow patchy freezing rain. From December 19–21, early-morning and late-night periods may produce light glaze conditions, even as daytime readings rise above freezing.
Further south—Dover, Smyrna, Milford, and Georgetown—temperatures trend warmer during most events, favoring steady rain. However, a push of colder air late in the period, particularly December 22–24, may introduce a brief rain–snow mix as storm systems exit the Mid-Atlantic.
Coastal communities, including Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and Bethany Beach, should expect primarily rain, though breezy conditions and visibility reductions may still slow holiday travel.
The most impactful window appears to be December 21–24, when colder air interacts with multiple waves of moisture. Even light ice could cause issues on untreated surfaces in northern Delaware.
Major travel routes—including I-95, Route 1, Route 13, and Route 301—may experience slick spots, ponding water, and slowdowns, especially during peak travel hours leading into Christmas Eve.
