Wilmington, NC – A quiet and calm start to the week will give way to a quick burst of rain and a sharp Thanksgiving cool-down across southeastern North Carolina. After several mild days near 70°F, the region is on track for a classic fall flip — one that brings clear skies but the coldest air of the season by Thursday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, patchy fog will fade this morning before sunshine returns and temperatures climb toward the upper 60s. By Tuesday afternoon, scattered showers will develop ahead of a weak cold front, lasting into Tuesday night. Though rain amounts will stay light, breezy south winds may make travel feel unsettled at times along I-40 and U.S. 17.
Wednesday will feature brief clearing and unseasonable warmth, with highs near 78°F — the warmest of the week — before the cold front sweeps through. Thanksgiving Day turns crisp and clear, with highs around 58°F and brisk north winds. Lows Thursday night may dip into the lower 30s inland, bringing a frost risk for early morning hours on Friday.
The holiday weekend looks ideal for family outings or early Christmas decorating, with bright skies and seasonably cool air continuing through Sunday.
Five-Day Outlook for Wilmington, NC:
- Tuesday: Scattered showers, high 74°F.
- Wednesday: Breezy and warm, slight chance of storms, high 78°F.
- Thanksgiving Day: Sunny, high 58°F.
- Friday: Clear, high 51°F.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 53°F.
