WILMINGTON, N.C. – Dawn breaks crisp across the Cape Fear coast this morning, a thin haze rising off the Intracoastal Waterway as cool air meets calm seas. The chill won’t last long — warmer, brighter air builds quickly Friday, setting up a postcard-perfect stretch of November weather for eastern North Carolina.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, Friday will bring full sun and highs near 64 degrees with light northwest winds shifting onshore through the day. Lows dip into the low 40s under clear skies before temperatures climb again Saturday into the lower 70s. Winds will stay gentle, but gusts up to 20 mph are possible at the beaches and along U.S. 17.
The region remains under elevated fire weather conditions, with relative humidity dropping below 35% in some inland areas Friday afternoon. Residents are urged to use caution with outdoor burning and yard work involving sparks or heat. The air will stay dry through early next week — a great setup for holiday decorating or late-season yard cleanup.
By Sunday, Wilmington warms to around 76 degrees, with comfortable humidity and light breezes. No rain is in sight through midweek, marking one of the driest November weekends so far. For travelers and early Thanksgiving planners, conditions look ideal: clear skies, mild temperatures, and smooth driving across coastal Carolina.
After a brief flirtation with cool mornings, the coastal warmth of late fall reclaims the weekend — and holds on tight.
Five-Day Forecast for Wilmington, NC:
Fri: 64/46 – Sunny; light north breeze, pleasant afternoon.
Sat: 71/56 – Mostly sunny; warming trend begins.
Sun: 76/49 – Sunny; mild and breezy at the coast.
Mon: 68/44 – Clear skies; comfortable humidity.
Tue: 70/50 – Mostly sunny; dry, great travel weather.
