North Carolina – Headlights blur into a gray wall along coastal roads this morning as dense fog settles across southeastern North Carolina, muting traffic sounds and shrinking visibility to just a few car lengths in places. Moist air clings to bridges, neighborhoods, and highways near the coast.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect through mid-morning for portions of southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. Visibility may drop to a quarter mile or less, creating hazardous driving conditions during early travel.
Fog is thickest near Wilmington, Leland, Carolina Beach, and along Highway 17 and College Road. Drivers should slow down, use low-beam headlights, and allow extra distance between vehicles. Conditions can deteriorate quickly near waterways and low-lying areas.
Once the fog lifts, sunshine returns fast. Temperatures climb sharply into the upper 60s this afternoon, a mild January rebound that dries pavement and improves visibility. Patchy fog may redevelop late tonight as calm winds and high humidity linger.
Looking ahead, the pattern stays unusually warm. Friday and Saturday bring highs in the mid-70s, more typical of early spring than winter. Skies stay partly sunny, though patchy morning fog remains possible both days.
By late Saturday night into Sunday, moisture increases. Scattered showers move through the area, dampening roads and lowering visibility at times. Rain chances linger into Sunday afternoon before cooler, drier air arrives early next week.
For now, the most immediate concern is this morning’s fog. Allow extra travel time and stay alert until conditions improve.
Driving along the coast this morning? Share what visibility looks like near you.
Five-Day Outlook for Wilmington, NC
• Today: Dense fog early, then mostly sunny. High near 68.
• Friday: Patchy morning fog, partly sunny. High near 74.
• Saturday: Warm with a slight shower chance. High near 75.
• Sunday: Chance of showers. High near 68.
• Monday: Sunny and cooler. High near 50.
