North Carolina wakes up under clear skies, cold air, and a quiet but serious travel risk. Wet pavement looks harmless, yet thin ice may linger in the shadows.
Across southeastern North Carolina, including Wilmington, a Special Weather Statement highlights patchy black ice this morning. Overnight lows dropped into the mid-20s, allowing standing water to refreeze. Bridges, overpasses, parking lots, and sidewalks remain the biggest trouble spots.
Temperatures recover steadily today. Sunshine pushes highs near 50 degrees, helping melt leftover ice by late morning. Still, early commuters should slow down and scan shaded roadways. Black ice is difficult to see and quick to surprise.
Attention shifts to the weekend. While no advisory is active yet, meteorologists flag cold wind chills below 15 degrees late Saturday night into early Sunday. Gusty northwest winds add bite, especially near the coast. If you’re outdoors, dress in layers and protect exposed skin.
Saturday stays bright but breezy. Highs reach around 40 degrees, though winds gust near 30 mph, keeping it feeling colder. Once the sun sets, temperatures slide quickly into the upper teens. Sunday brings sunshine and a gradual rebound, with highs near 41 degrees.
By Monday, conditions turn noticeably milder. Highs climb into the mid-50s, and the warming trend strengthens through midweek. Some inland areas may flirt with the 60s by Tuesday and Wednesday, signaling a late-winter shift.
For now, caution is key this morning. Drive slower, watch bridges, and walk carefully on slick surfaces. Looking ahead, the cold loosens its grip after Sunday.
Did you spot icy patches where you live today?
Five-Day Outlook – Wilmington, NC
- Saturday: Sunny, breezy. High 40°F
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, cold early. High 41°F
- Monday: Sunny, warmer. High 54°F
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High near 62°F
- Wednesday: Chance of rain, mild. High near 68°F
