WILMINGTON, N.C. – Fall may be near, but Wilmington residents will feel more summer than autumn as temperatures climb this week. Drivers along I-40 and U.S. 17 should prepare for gusty winds Wednesday afternoon before heat ramps up into the 90s by Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, Wednesday brings sun with highs around 84 degrees. Northeast winds will shift north, with gusts topping 16 mph. Conditions remain clear Wednesday night, dipping to the mid-60s, but humidity will begin to rise heading into Thursday.
Thursday continues the sunny streak, pushing highs near 86, while Friday brings a noticeable jump in heat. Afternoon highs near 90 could create challenges for Friday night football and other outdoor events, with lingering humidity making it feel even warmer.
Saturday delivers the hottest stretch of the week, with highs near 91 under mostly sunny skies. Evening lows hold near 72, keeping nights muggy. Relief is limited as the weekend closes, with storm chances increasing Sunday. Showers and thunderstorms could disrupt outdoor plans late Sunday into Monday, carrying a 40% chance of rainfall.
Residents should stay hydrated, limit outdoor work during peak afternoon heat, and monitor late-week forecasts if planning weekend travel or events. Storms late Sunday could bring heavy downpours and slick road conditions.
The region stays dry and clear until then, but heat and humidity will steadily build through Saturday, making early September feel far from fall-like.
Five Day Forecast for Wilmington, NC
- Wednesday: Sunny, high 84, low 64
- Thursday: Sunny, high 86, low 68
- Friday: Sunny, high 90, low 72
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 91, low 72
- Sunday: Showers, thunderstorms possible, high 88, low 69
