North Carolina wakes to a hazy, muted sky, where early light presses through thin patches of coastal fog and the pavement still holds its cool dawn sheen. Travelers stepping out before sunrise may feel the crisp, moist air brushing across open lots and quiet neighborhoods—an early sign of shifting conditions as Thanksgiving approaches.
Residents should stay alert through the morning, especially along US-17 and smaller inland routes where fog pockets linger longest. Reduced visibility may slow early errands, school travel, or airport drop-offs. For now, calm winds keep the fog settled, though sunshine will quickly take over and dry out the region. Anyone preparing for weekend Holiday Travel should use today to get ahead on plans while conditions remain simple and roads stay dry.
Models hint at a small Winter Tease farther north across the US, where temperature whiplash may spark late-November snow chances. While Wilmington remains far from that risk, the broader pattern signals bigger national impacts as Thanksgiving week begins. A mild, steady warmth holds here through Saturday, but coastal residents should still watch for a possible changeover to light showers later in the weekend.
Friday brings partly sunny skies with a high near 73°F. Winds ease in the afternoon, creating ideal conditions for outdoor decorating, leaf cleanup, and early holiday events. Saturday features highs near 78°F with only a slight chance of showers or a low-end thunder rumble after midday—nothing disruptive, but enough to keep late travelers aware.
Five-Day Outlook (Sunday–Wednesday):
Sunday: Sunny, high near 66°F.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, low near 44°F.
Monday: Sunny, high near 68°F.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, high near 73°F; 40% shower chance late.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 78°F.
