North Carolina — Streetlights glow against clear skies as calm, humid air settles over the Cape Fear region before sunrise.
Early this morning, temperatures hover near 45 degrees at Wilmington International Airport. Winds remain calm, and visibility is clear. It feels quiet now, but a shifting pattern will shape travel plans through the weekend and into early next week.
Sunshine dominates today, pushing highs into the mid-70s. It’s a springlike feel for late December, especially for travelers heading out after Christmas. Roads remain dry, and travel conditions stay favorable across I-40, Highway 17, and U.S. 74.
Tonight stays mild, with lows near 48 degrees under partly cloudy skies. By Friday, clouds increase slightly, but sunshine still breaks through. Highs reach the low 60s, offering comfortable conditions for errands or short trips.
Friday night brings the first weather shift. A slight chance of rain develops late, though rainfall amounts remain light. Most roads stay dry, but isolated damp patches may appear by early Saturday morning. Drivers should stay alert, especially near bridges and coastal routes.
Saturday quickly rebounds. Skies turn sunny again, and temperatures climb back into the low 70s. It’s one of the best travel days of the period, with dry pavement and light winds. For now, weekend post-Christmas travel looks smooth.
Sunday remains pleasant but cooler. Expect highs near 66 degrees with partly sunny skies. Clouds gradually increase late, hinting at another change ahead.
By Monday, rain chances return during the afternoon and evening. While no winter weather is expected, cooler air follows behind the system. Overnight lows dip into the mid-30s, the coldest stretch of the forecast.
This isn’t a winter storm setup, but timing still matters. Enjoy the dry, warm stretch now. Keep an umbrella nearby for early next week. As December winds down, Wilmington balances mild coastal warmth with subtle hints of winter waiting just beyond the horizon.
