North Carolina – The cold bites early across the Cape Fear region this morning, and Wilmington feels it immediately. Pavement glistens under streetlights, docks creak in the cold air, and thin ice hides in plain sight. Winter hazards are already in motion.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, temperatures dipped into the low 20s before sunrise, with calm winds allowing cold air to settle near the ground. Any moisture left from recent rain or melting frost has refrozen, creating black ice on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads. A Special Weather Statement remains in effect for hazardous travel conditions.
Drivers should slow down on U.S. 17, College Road, and neighborhood streets, especially before mid-morning. Sidewalks, parking lots, and steps may also remain slick. Slip-and-fall injuries become more common during mornings like this.
Conditions improve modestly this afternoon as sunshine pushes highs toward the upper 40s. That thaw helps, but the relief is temporary. Clouds increase tonight as a new system approaches from the west.
Rain becomes likely Wednesday, with wet roads returning by midday. Late Wednesday night into Thursday morning, colder air filters back in. Rain may end as freezing rain, with minor ice accumulation possible. Even a light glaze can cause significant travel issues during early commutes.
Thursday stays cool and unsettled early before drying out later in the day. By Friday, sunshine returns and highs rebound near 50 degrees, helping melt lingering ice. Looking ahead, NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook points to above-normal temperatures late next week, signaling a gradual shift toward milder February weather.
For now, remain cautious this morning and again late Wednesday night. Are roads icy where you are? Share what you’re seeing around Wilmington.
Five Day Weather Outlook for Wilmington, NC
- Wednesday: Rain likely, high near 51
- Thursday: Chance of rain or freezing rain early, high near 41
- Friday: Sunny, high near 49
- Saturday: Sunny, high near 52
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 51
