North Carolina — A damp chill hangs in the air as clouds thicken over coastal roads and neighborhoods. Pavement stays wet early, but colder air is steadily filtering south. Conditions are lining up for a brief yet impactful winter weather event.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Wilmington and surrounding coastal and inland areas from this evening through Sunday evening. Rain develops later today, then changes to freezing rain after temperatures slip below freezing. Ice accumulations between 0.10 and 0.20 inches are possible, especially away from the immediate coastline.
Travel conditions may deteriorate quickly after dark. Bridges, overpasses, and elevated roadways freeze first. Even light ice can cause vehicles to slide unexpectedly. Plan extra time if traveling tonight, and avoid unnecessary trips if possible.
Sunday brings a gradual transition. Freezing rain tapers, and temperatures slowly recover into the lower 50s by afternoon. Rain becomes the dominant precipitation type again. Any lingering ice should melt, but wet roads remain a concern for drivers.
By early Monday, colder air surges back in behind the system. Skies clear, but flash freezing becomes a new hazard. Leftover moisture refreezes before sunrise, creating patches of black ice on untreated surfaces. The Monday morning commute could feel deceptively calm but dangerous.
The cold settles in through midweek. Overnight lows drop into the teens Monday night, with highs near 40 Tuesday. Winds add a sharp bite, especially near open coastal areas.
Looking ahead, long-range outlooks suggest below-normal temperatures persist across the Southeast, while precipitation chances decrease. Winter may ease slightly by late week, but cold mornings remain likely.
Driving tonight or early Monday? Share what road conditions look like where you are.
Five-Day Outlook: Wilmington, North Carolina
• Sunday: Rain likely. High near 52.
• Monday: Clearing, colder. High near 55.
• Tuesday: Sunny and chilly. High near 41.
• Wednesday: Sunny. High near 47.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, cold. High near 42.
