Wilmington, North Carolina – Warm, summer-like temperatures are surging across eastern North Carolina today, but a line of showers and thunderstorms could disrupt travel and outdoor plans by late afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, a cold front moving in later today will trigger scattered showers and storms beginning after 3 p.m., with the highest coverage along coastal communities including Surf City, Topsail Island, Oak Island, and Kure Beach. Rain chances range from 20 to 40 percent near the coast, with slightly lower chances inland toward Lumberton, Florence, and Marion.
Highs will climb to around 85°F this afternoon, running about 15 degrees above normal. Increasing clouds ahead of the front will give way to developing storms that could bring brief heavy downpours, lightning, and reduced visibility during the evening commute.
Drivers along U.S. 17 and U.S. 74 should prepare for sudden wet roads and slower travel during peak storm activity. Beachgoers are urged to monitor conditions closely and move indoors at the first sign of thunder.
Cooler air moves in tonight behind the front, with lows dropping to around 45°F and noticeably less humidity by Tuesday morning.
Additional updates may be issued if storms become more widespread or intensify late today.
