Delaware – The cold hits fast this morning, tightening lungs and stinging faces as commuters step outside. Frost coats windshields, and the air feels brittle along sidewalks and parking lots. Even brief exposure feels punishing as winter asserts itself early.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect for northern Delaware through late morning. Wind chills have dropped as low as 3 below zero, driven by gusty northwest winds. The advisory covers Wilmington and surrounding areas, where exposed skin can develop frostbite quickly.
Across Delaware and neighboring New Jersey and Maryland, arctic air continues to spill south. This cold pool links back to a broader eastern U.S. pattern reinforced by a heavily frozen Great Lakes region. The result is persistent cold and limited daytime recovery, even under sunshine.
In Wilmington, temperatures hover in the teens early before climbing toward 30 later today. Winds remain steady enough to keep wind chills near zero for much of the morning. Drivers should use caution on I-95, Route 202, and neighborhood roads, where refreezing may linger on shaded pavement.
Tonight turns calmer but colder. Clear skies allow temperatures to fall into the teens again, setting up another icy start Tuesday. Any snowmelt from the afternoon will freeze solid after sunset, increasing slip risks for walkers and drivers.
By Tuesday, highs reach the mid-30s with lighter winds. Clouds increase Tuesday night, and a chance of light snow develops into Wednesday morning. Accumulations appear minor, but timing favors the morning commute, when slick spots could slow traffic.
Later in the week, another snow chance arrives Friday before colder air returns for the weekend. Signs of moderation show up beyond that, with warmer-than-normal temperatures possible late next week.
For now, layer up, limit time outside early, and plan extra travel time this morning. How cold did it feel when you stepped outside today?
Five Day Outlook for Wilmington, DE
• Today: Sunny, high near 30
• Tonight: Mostly clear, low near 14
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 34
• Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, low near 23, chance of snow
• Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 31
