Delaware begins the new year under a familiar Winter Weather pattern, with cold air biting early and gray skies hanging low across the Wilmington region. Pavement remains cold and dry for now, but subtle changes ahead could affect travel as the area moves toward the first Sunday of 2026.
According to the National Weather Service, early temperatures hover near 22 degrees, keeping windshields frosted and sidewalks stiff. Clouds gradually thin through the day, allowing some clearing as highs climb into the mid-30s. Even with sunshine, surfaces remain cold enough to refreeze lingering moisture.
Saturday stays mostly cloudy and chilly, with highs near 34 degrees. Winds remain light, but the lack of warmth limits melting. Drivers across I-95, I-495, and Route 1 should stay alert for isolated icy patches, especially in shaded areas.
A slight chance of snow develops late Saturday into early Sunday. While probabilities stay low and accumulation appears minimal, any flakes would stick quickly given cold ground temperatures. Conditions may deteriorate quickly after sunset if brief snow showers develop.
Sunday trends brighter and slightly milder. Sunshine returns, and highs reach near 38 degrees, helping improve road conditions through the afternoon. Still, temperatures drop back into the low 20s Sunday night, renewing concerns for black ice where daytime melting occurred.
Meteorologists note colder-than-average air remains entrenched across the Mid-Atlantic, even as warmer air builds farther south. That contrast keeps winter hazards in play as the first full week of January 2026 approaches.
Plan extra time if traveling this weekend. Watch for refreezing after dark and use caution on bridges and overpasses.
📅 Five-Day Outlook — Wilmington, DE / Philadelphia, PA
- Today: Gradual clearing, high near 36
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high near 34
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 38
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, high near 36
- Tuesday: Milder, mostly cloudy, high near 46
