North Carolina — Headlights cut through fog and damp air across southeastern North Carolina this morning as freezing temperatures quietly turn wet pavement slick. In Wilmington, untreated roads, bridges, and parking lots may look harmless but hide dangerous black ice during the early MLK Day commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, lingering moisture from Sunday rainfall froze overnight as temperatures dipped near 30 degrees. Patchy black ice remains possible on bridges, overpasses, sidewalks, and secondary roads through the morning hours. Fog and mist reduce visibility at times, adding to the risk for drivers and pedestrians.
Conditions gradually improve after sunrise as sunshine takes over. Highs rebound quickly into the upper 40s and lower 50s by afternoon, melting lingering ice. Still, shaded areas may stay slick longer than expected. Slow down on ramps and elevated roadways, especially before mid-morning.
Clear skies tonight allow another chill to settle in. Lows drop into the mid-20s, setting the stage for another cold start Tuesday. While no widespread ice is expected, isolated slick spots could reappear where moisture remains.
Tuesday brings bright sunshine and calmer weather, with highs climbing into the mid-40s. By Wednesday, a noticeable warmup arrives. Afternoon temperatures push into the mid-50s, and clouds increase late. A slight rain chance develops Wednesday night into Thursday, but temperatures stay warm enough to avoid wintry impacts.
Looking ahead, late-week and weekend systems may bring rain and even a rain-snow mix as colder air returns. Meteorologists continue monitoring those trends closely.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Wilmington, North Carolina
- Today: Sunny after morning fog, high near 50°
- Tonight: Clear and cold, low near 26°
- Tuesday: Sunny, high near 46°
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 54°
- Thursday: Chance of rain, high near 59°
