WILMINGTON, N.C. – Early rain slicks the streets along Oleander Drive, and the Cape Fear River glows faintly under a gray sky. The damp, mild air carries the smell of salt and wet leaves — a clear sign of transition as the region trades passing showers for several near-perfect autumn days.
A weak cold front slides through southeastern North Carolina this morning, bringing rain chances near 60% early, then tapering quickly by late morning. Skies begin clearing this afternoon, with drier, breezier air moving in from the northwest. Highs reach the mid-50s to low-60s, but it’s the sun’s return later today that signals a strong rebound in weather for the rest of the week.
By Tuesday, Wilmington enters a sunny and mild stretch lasting well into the weekend. Afternoon highs climb steadily through the mid to upper 60s Tuesday and near 70°F by Wednesday, paired with crisp, calm mornings in the mid-40s. Light north winds keep humidity low, perfect for outdoor work, coastal walks, or early Thanksgiving travel planning.
High pressure dominates through Friday, ensuring bright skies and pleasant afternoons near 71°F, with no rain expected until at least the weekend. To be fair, some long-range models hint at a potential pattern shift by mid-November, bringing cooler air and maybe the first frost inland before Thanksgiving.
For now, the Cape Fear coast can enjoy a rare stretch of dry, comfortable November weather — ideal for fall festivals, yard cleanup, and pre-holiday decorating.
Five-Day Outlook for Wilmington, NC:
Mon: 54/46 – Morning rain; clearing by afternoon.
Tue: 66/44 – Sunny; calm winds.
Wed: 71/51 – Bright and mild.
Thu: 71/51 – Mostly sunny; pleasant.
Fri: 71/59 – Partly cloudy; warm.
