North Carolina – A cool 38-degree start lingers over Wilmington this morning, and the breeze off the Cape Fear River keeps the air feeling sharper than the thermometer suggests. Skies are clear now, but a wetter weekend is lining up.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, sunshine dominates today with a high near 54 degrees. North winds around 6 mph ease through the afternoon. Tonight turns clear and colder, with lows near 31. Some inland neighborhoods could briefly dip close to freezing before daybreak.
Saturday brings a noticeable warmup. Sunshine pushes highs to 61 with light winds. Clouds increase Saturday night as moisture surges north ahead of a developing low pressure system tracking across the Southeast.
Rain chances ramp up Sunday. Showers become likely after 1 p.m., with highs near 63. The chance of precipitation climbs to 80 percent during the afternoon. Rain intensifies Sunday night, with a 100 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. New rainfall amounts between one-half and one inch are possible by early Monday. Expect slick stretches along U.S. 17, U.S. 74, and College Road. Plan extra travel time Sunday evening.
President’s Day stays unsettled with a 50 percent chance of rain and highs near 62. A few showers may linger into Monday night before skies partially clear.
By Tuesday, partly sunny skies return with highs near 65. Midweek temperatures climb toward 70, signaling early spring vibes along the coast. The 6- to 10-day outlook favors above-normal warmth across eastern North Carolina.
Traveling Sunday or Monday? Let us know how heavy the rain gets in your neighborhood.
Five Day Outlook for Wilmington, North Carolina:
Saturday: Sunny, high 61.
Sunday: Showers likely after 1 p.m., high 63.
Monday (President’s Day): Chance of rain, high 62.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, high 65.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high 70.
