Wilmington, North Carolina – Storms and sweltering heat will return to the Wilmington area by mid-afternoon Wednesday, with 90-degree highs and a rising risk of scattered thunderstorms along major corridors like U.S. 17. Residents should prepare for slick roads and reduced visibility between 2 and 8 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service, a 50% chance of showers and storms will develop after 2 p.m. Wednesday, accompanied by heat index values nearing 98°F. South winds will increase throughout the afternoon, gusting up to 18 mph at times, making outdoor conditions sticky and unstable.
Localized downpours and lightning could impact parts of New Hanover and Brunswick counties, especially near the coastal and inland intersections of U.S. 17. Drivers are urged to slow down during peak evening travel hours and avoid flooded areas.
The storm threat continues into Thursday and Friday, with afternoon and evening thunderstorm chances holding steady near 70–80%. Temperatures will remain in the high 80s to low 90s through Saturday.
Five-Day Outlook for Wilmington (July 9–14):
- Wednesday: High 89°F, PM storms (50%); humid with gusty winds
- Thursday: High 88°F, showers and storms likely (70%)
- Friday: High 90°F, thunderstorms likely after 2PM (80%)
- Saturday: High 90°F, storms before 2PM then likely again later (60%)
- Sunday: High 91°F, mostly sunny with afternoon storms (60%)
- Monday: High 91°F, continued summer storm pattern (60%)
