Wilmington, NC – A strong early-season cold snap continues across the eastern Carolinas, with temperatures plunging into the 20s again Saturday morning and several record lows potentially at risk, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Wilmington.
Florence, SC dropped to 23 degrees Friday morning, tying the previous November 28 record set in 1956. Forecasters say additional records could be threatened early Saturday, particularly if winds diminish just before sunrise—a pattern that often allows temperatures to fall even faster.
According to NWS, the following November 29 records are in play:
• Florence, SC: 23°F set in 2002 (possible)
• Lumberton, NC: 19°F set in 1938 (unlikely)
• North Myrtle Beach, SC: 26°F set in 1955 (unlikely)
• Wilmington, NC: 24°F set in 1996 (possible)
Forecast maps show widespread lows in the 20–28°F range across Bladen, Columbus, Robeson, Horry, and Marion counties. Florence and Lake City are expected to reach the mid-20s again, while Lumberton could dip into the teens. Coastal locations will stay warmer: Wilmington is forecast near the upper 20s to low 30s, with beaches from Carolina Beach to Surf City ranging from the upper 30s to mid-40s. Georgetown and the South Carolina coast may hold in the upper 40s to around 50 degrees.
The freeze follows several nights of below-normal temperatures, and NWS urges residents to continue protecting outdoor pipes, plants, and pets. While winds may stay light overnight, any calm period before sunrise will allow temperatures to drop rapidly, increasing the chance of record-level cold.
Temperatures will gradually moderate later this weekend, but Saturday morning remains the coldest period of the pattern.
