Wilmington, DE – Gusty winds and falling temperatures signal a sharp seasonal shift for Delaware this week, as the state prepares for a rain-to-snow transition and a brisk December chill by Friday. After a mild start to the week, temperatures drop into the 20s and bring the region its first real taste of winter weather.
According to the National Weather Service, scattered rain showers will move through midweek before clearing late Thursday, making way for breezy northwest winds up to 30 mph. The air turns much colder Friday, with highs near 38°F and lows in the mid-20s — cold enough for snow flurries to develop by evening. While accumulations are expected to remain light, slick spots may form on I-95 and secondary roads as temperatures fall below freezing overnight.
The weekend will stay chilly and mostly dry, with highs in the upper 30s to low 40s and crisp mornings in the 20s. Forecasters are watching a larger Arctic front expected to sweep through the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast between December 13 and 17, bringing potentially the coldest air of the season and keeping highs up to 15–20 degrees below average.
Residents are encouraged to bundle up, secure outdoor items, and keep a close eye on Friday night travel conditions, especially as early holiday events ramp up.
Five-Day Outlook for Wilmington, DE
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, breezy, high near 37°F, low 26°F.
- Friday: Partly sunny, slight snow chance, high 38°F, low 26°F.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 41°F, low 28°F.
- Sunday: Sunny, cold, high near 34°F, low 18°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 32°F, wind chills in the 20s.
