Delaware – The air feels sharp and still this morning, with frost locked onto windshields and lawns across northern Delaware. Winter has arrived quietly, but the calm won’t hold. A developing system is already raising travel concerns ahead of Christmas Eve.
Early Monday temperatures dropped into the low 20s around Wilmington, with wind chills in the teens. Sunshine carries the day, helping highs recover into the low 40s. According to the National Weather Service, clouds thicken later Monday as moisture pushes in from the west. Light snow may develop late tonight before mixing with rain toward Tuesday morning.
By Tuesday, warmer air moves in aloft while surface temperatures hover near freezing early. Snow may briefly coat roads before changing to rain by late morning. Accumulations look light, generally under half an inch, but timing is critical. Even minor snowfall can create slick conditions during colder hours.
Drivers should plan carefully from late Monday night through Tuesday morning. Wet pavement could freeze quickly after sunset or before sunrise. Bridges, ramps, and secondary roads will be most vulnerable. This pattern raises concerns for early Christmas travel, especially for commuters heading toward I-95 and Route 202.
Wednesday trends calmer and milder as Christmas Eve approaches. Sunshine returns, and highs reach the upper 40s. Any leftover moisture should dry out during the day, but refreezing remains possible late at night as temperatures dip back into the 30s.
While no major winter storm is expected, this setup offers an early winter warning. Small temperature shifts could quickly change impacts. Travelers should allow extra time and stay alert for changing road conditions. Heading out Tuesday or Wednesday? How are conditions shaping up where you live?
Five-Day Outlook for Wilmington, DE
- Monday: Sunny and cold, high near 41.
- Tuesday: Chance of snow early, then rain, high near 46.
- Wednesday (Christmas Eve): Mostly sunny and milder, high near 48.
- Christmas Day: Cloudy with a chance of rain, high near 48.
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy and cooler, high near 41.
