A soft, humid breeze slides across the Cape Fear River this morning, and scattered low clouds hang over Wilmington like a thin November veil. Roads start damp, and visibility wavers at times — a small reminder that early-season weather patterns remain unsettled across coastal North Carolina. With Thanksgiving travel already accelerating across the Southeast, today’s shifting conditions could influence timing for drivers heading toward I-40 or US-17.
Residents should watch for quick changes through mid-day. Light showers could develop before storms flare in isolated pockets Saturday, especially where warm air surges inland. Travelers leaving today or Saturday should build in extra minutes, since wet pavement and gusty pockets may slow traffic on bridges and coastal corridors. For now, temperatures trend mild, but a Winter Tease continues across the nation, with long-range models hinting at heavier snow for parts of the Midwest and Appalachians closer to Thanksgiving week — a system worth monitoring for ripple-effects on national air travel.
Today brings partly sunny skies early, followed by a 20% chance of a brief shower. Highs climb toward the mid-70s with a southwest breeze increasing by afternoon. Tonight stays mild with lows in the lower 60s.
Saturday turns more active. A slight chance of morning showers grows into scattered thunderstorms by late morning and early afternoon. A few storms could deliver brief downpours and gusty winds. Highs reach the upper 70s before drier air slides in Saturday night.
Sunday steadies with bright, calm conditions — ideal for local errands or early holiday prep. Highs settle near 68 with clear skies Sunday night.
Looking toward Thanksgiving week, Wilmington warms into the lower 70s Tuesday before another round of showers becomes possible Wednesday. National models continue signaling colder-than-normal temperatures for much of the country — raising the chance for impactful snow farther north. For Wilmington, Thanksgiving currently appears mild, partly sunny, and seasonably warm.
Five-Day Outlook (Wilmington, NC)
Saturday: 77°F — Showers & thunderstorms possible after 10 a.m.
Saturday Night: 51°F — Mostly cloudy, slight evening showers.
Sunday: 66°F — Sunny and calm.
Monday: 68°F — Sunny, pleasant.
Tuesday: 74°F — Mostly cloudy, slight shower chance before dawn.
