North Carolina begins the day beneath soft, hazy morning light as a calm breeze moves across the Cape Fear River. Roads look dry, the air feels crisp, and the region enjoys one more stretch of quiet December weather before a dramatic shift arrives late in the weekend. By Sunday night, wind gusts may rattle porch railings across Wilmington as the coldest air of the season sweeps in from the northwest.
Warm sunshine dominates today with highs rising into the mid-50s, making outdoor errands and travel along U.S. 17 smooth and uncomplicated. Residents decorating for the holidays will find conditions comfortable, but meteorologists urge everyone to stay aware: models now show a strong cold front pushing through the region on Sunday, followed by a sharp plunge into winterlike temperatures.
Saturday stays bright and seasonably mild with highs near the mid-60s. South winds increase slightly in the afternoon, signaling the approaching pattern change. Clouds move in late Saturday night, and by Sunday morning a 40% chance of rain brings damp roads and brief pockets of reduced visibility. Any showers remain light, but timing matters for morning travelers.
By Sunday evening, skies clear quickly as the front passes. The air mass behind it arrives fast, powered by gusty northwest winds, which could make temperatures feel like the single digits before sunrise Monday. This is the first meaningful Cold Snap of December for southeastern North Carolina, and it will catch many off guard after several mild days.
Plan ahead: secure outdoor decorations, prepare for sharp temperature swings, and expect brisk conditions for Monday commutes.
Five-Day Outlook:
• Saturday: Sunny, high 64.
• Sunday: Chance of rain early; breezy, high 57.
• Monday: Sunny and sharply colder, high 40.
• Tuesday: Sunny, high 50.
• Wednesday: Partly sunny, high 44.
