North Carolina wakes to a brittle chill this morning, where breath hangs in the air and docks along the Cape Fear River feel locked in winter. Sunshine helps briefly, but the cold never truly loosens its grip.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, dangerous cold conditions are expected to persist through much of the week, with the greatest concern building this weekend. Wind chill advisories are likely as values drop into the single digits, and there is growing confidence in a winter storm potential bringing snow to parts of southeast North Carolina from Friday into Sunday.
Today remains quiet but cold. Highs climb into the mid-40s near Wilmington, though early travel still feels icy with temperatures starting near freezing. Clear skies tonight allow readings to fall into the low 20s, setting up another cold start.
Thursday and Friday stay dry but brisk. Northwest winds keep wind chills in the teens during the mornings. By late Friday, moisture begins moving in while cold air stays entrenched. Rain may mix with snow before daybreak, especially inland and during heavier bursts.
Saturday carries the highest impact risk. Snow is increasingly likely during the morning and afternoon, with periods of rain mixing in closer to the coast. Any changeover to snow could be quick, creating slick roads and reduced visibility along I-40, US-17, and secondary roads. Saturday night remains cold, allowing any untreated surfaces to freeze.
Sunday trends drier but stays cold, with lingering slick spots possible early. This setup ties back to a powerful Arctic air mass spilling south from a nearly half-frozen Great Lakes region, reinforcing winter across the East.
Residents should plan ahead for weekend travel, protect exposed pipes, and prepare for rapidly changing conditions. Seeing snowflakes or icy roads near you this weekend? Let us know what you’re experiencing.
Five-Day Outlook for Wilmington, North Carolina
- Today: Sunny, cold start, highs near 45°
- Thursday: Increasing clouds, chilly, highs near 42°
- Friday: Mostly sunny early, late rain/snow chance, highs near 48°
- Saturday: Rain and snow likely, colder, highs near 40°
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, cold, highs near 33°
