Wilmington, N.C. – Thunderstorms may disrupt Labor Day travel in southeastern North Carolina before a September cool air pattern delivers fall-like nights. Drivers along I-40 and U.S. 17 should stay alert for heavy rain and slick pavement tonight into Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, scattered showers and storms will continue through Sunday evening with up to a 30% chance of rain. Labor Day itself turns sunnier, with highs near 82 and only an isolated shower possible. The real change arrives by midweek, when cooler air spreads south from the Midwest, bringing overnight lows into the 60s along the coast and 50s inland.
The cooler nights will be a welcome break from humid summer conditions, but residents should prepare for damp holiday travel. If you’re heading to the beach or outdoor events Sunday, keep rain gear handy and monitor local updates. Calm but shifting winds may create choppy conditions for small boats on the Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway.
By Tuesday, skies clear and sunshine returns, with high temperatures holding in the low 80s. Wednesday and Thursday bring another round of scattered showers before the stronger push of cooler air arrives late week.
Expect more advisories if storms intensify during holiday travel windows. NWS officials recommend avoiding flooded intersections and securing outdoor items ahead of gusty winds near storms.
Five-Day Forecast for Wilmington, NC
- Sunday: Showers early, then partly sunny, high near 82. Showers possible at night, low 63.
- Labor Day Monday: Mostly sunny, high 82. Low near 64.
- Tuesday: Sunny skies, high 82. Low near 66.
- Wednesday: Showers and storms return, high 82. Low 68.
- Thursday: Scattered showers, partly cloudy, high 88. Low 69.
