North Carolina – Coastal residents are waking up to a heavy veil of gray as patchy fog reduces visibility to under a mile across the Cape Fear region this morning. The damp start will quickly give way to a surge of unseasonable warmth that is set to push the mercury toward record levels by Friday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, the thick fog will linger through 9 a.m. today before clearing for a bright, sunny afternoon with a high of 76°F. While the immediate concern is the morning commute on Highway 17 and I-40, a more significant shift arrives tomorrow. Southerly winds will pick up speed, gusting as high as 21 mph on Friday as the region prepares for a peak high of 82°F. This “summer tease” is short-lived, however, as a dry cold front is timed to sweep through the area late Friday night.
Drivers should prepare for a sharp “flash” change in conditions. After a Friday night low of 50°F and a 30% chance of light showers, Saturday will feel like a different season entirely. High temperatures will struggle to reach 61°F under breezy conditions. The most dramatic cooling occurs Saturday night, when clear skies allow temperatures to plummet to 40°F—more than 40 degrees colder than the Friday afternoon peak. This rapid swing can stress early spring gardens, so residents should consider protecting sensitive outdoor plants before the weekend chill settles in.
Looking ahead, the cooldown remains brief. Sunny skies dominate the weekend, and by Monday, the region begins a steady climb back into the 70s. For now, enjoy the warmth but keep a jacket ready for the weekend shift. Are you planning a beach trip this weekend, or are you staying inland to avoid the coastal breeze?
Five Day Forecast for Wilmington, North Carolina
- Today: Patchy fog before 9 a.m., then sunny. High 76°F. Southwest wind 5 to 9 mph.
- Friday: Sunny and unseasonably warm. High 82°F. Wind gusts up to 21 mph.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny and much cooler. High 61°F. Low 40°F.
- Sunday: Clear and bright. High 62°F. Low 45°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny. High 71°F. Low 53°F.
