North Carolina — Damp streets shine under early light around the Cape Fear River as fog lifts and light rain fades. The air still feels mild, for now. A colder pattern is already moving in behind it.
No immediate warnings are posted for Wilmington this morning. That changes quickly as colder air deepens across southeast North Carolina. Dangerous cold is expected to build through midweek, with freeze conditions likely and wind chills dropping sharply at night.
Today starts gray, then clears. Highs reach near 50 degrees, but temperatures fall fast after sunset. As skies clear tonight, lows dip into the upper teens to near 20 degrees. Any lingering moisture could refreeze on bridges and shaded roads.
Tuesday stays bright but cold. Sunshine does little to warm the air, with highs near 42 degrees. Winds ease, but the chill lingers. Tuesday night brings another hard freeze, again near 24 degrees, stressing exposed pipes and plants.
By Wednesday, the pattern holds. Highs climb to the mid-40s with clear skies. Nights remain cold, hovering in the mid-20s. Thursday looks similar, sunny and crisp, with highs near 40 degrees and another cold night close to 20 degrees.
Meteorologists are watching for possible Cold Weather Advisories later this week as the Arctic air mass holds firm. While no snow is expected locally, inland spots could see patchy frost each morning.
Residents should cover outdoor plumbing, bring pets inside, and protect sensitive vegetation. Drivers should stay alert for early-morning slick spots, especially after rain followed by freezing temperatures.
Looking ahead, longer-range outlooks suggest dry weather continues into early February, with gradual moderation late next week.
How cold did it feel where you are this morning? Share your local conditions.
Five-Day Outlook – Wilmington, NC
• Today: Cloudy early, clearing, high near 50°F
• Tuesday: Sunny, colder, high near 42°F
• Wednesday: Sunny, cool, high near 44°F
• Thursday: Sunny, chilly, high near 40°F
• Friday: Partly sunny, cool, high near 40°F
