North Carolina – Cold air lingers early this morning across the coast, with temperatures in Wilmington dropping to 29°F — the first widespread freeze of December for parts of southeastern North Carolina. Windshields glisten with frost under clear skies, and quiet roads hum with that crisp, winter-morning chill.
Despite the frigid start, sunshine dominates through late week. Temperatures rebound into the mid-50s by this afternoon, marking the beginning of a warming trend that will carry through the weekend. Winds remain light from the southwest, occasionally gusting near 20 mph, keeping the air dry and pleasant.
By Thursday and Friday, highs will hover near 56°F, with bright skies and mild afternoons. Saturday warms further, peaking around 61°F, ideal for outdoor errands or early holiday decorating. Coastal breezes continue, but rain chances stay near zero through early next week — a rare stretch of steady, tranquil weather for mid-December.
Evenings, however, will remind residents that winter is still near. Lows drop into the 30s each night, cool enough for light frost inland and near the Cape Fear River basin.
Action tip: Allow a few minutes to defrost windshields before heading out this morning. Early commuters could encounter light frost on bridges or shaded side roads.
Five-Day Outlook for Wilmington, NC
- Thursday: Sunny, high 50°F, low 31°F, calm and cool.
- Friday: Sunny, high 56°F, low 39°F, light southwest breeze.
- Saturday: Sunny, high 61°F, low 44°F, mild and pleasant.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 58°F, low 24°F, cooler inland.
- Monday: Sunny, high 53°F, low 27°F, crisp mornings continue.
