Weather
Coastal North Carolina Weather Alert: Wilmington 74° to 38° Cold Shift Nov. 11-14
North Carolina's southeastern coast is heading into a remarkable November weather contrast, with sunshine and 74 degree afternoons giving way to temperatures in the 30s before the weekend.
By Jenna Hartley · 2026-11-08T10:24:50.174Z
North Carolina's southeastern coast is heading into a remarkable November weather contrast, with sunshine and 74 degree afternoons giving way to temperatures in the 30s before the weekend.
Wilmington, Leland, Belville and surrounding communities can expect several days of comfortable fall weather before a noticeable cooldown arrives Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, temperatures will remain unusually comfortable through Thursday, Nov. 12, before colder conditions develop heading into Saturday.
The biggest change comes between Thursday afternoon and Friday night, when the forecast shows a 36 degree difference between the expected high and low.
Sunshine and 70s Dominate Early Week Monday, Nov. 9, brings sunny skies and temperatures reaching approximately 72 degrees.
Northwest winds of 5 to 7 mph should keep conditions comfortable for outdoor activities.
Temperatures fall to around 41 degrees Monday night, creating a brisk start Tuesday.
By Tuesday afternoon, sunshine returns with highs reaching approximately 74 degrees.
Wednesday, Veterans Day, continues the warm pattern with mostly sunny skies and another high near 74 degrees.
For residents planning ceremonies, beach walks or outdoor gatherings, the weather looks favorable.
Thursday Brings One More Warm Afternoon Thursday, Nov. 12, offers another mostly sunny afternoon with temperatures near 74 degrees.
However, the pattern begins changing Thursday night.
Temperatures fall toward 46 degrees as clouds increase.
That transition signals the beginning of a colder stretch heading into the weekend.
Residents should consider using the warmer afternoons to finish fall yardwork, secure outdoor decorations and prepare sensitive plants.
Friday Brings a Sharp Temperature Reversal Friday, Nov. 13, marks the most noticeable weather change.
High temperatures reach only about 62 degrees, approximately 12 degrees cooler than Thursday.
By Friday night, temperatures could fall to 38 degrees.
That is a significant departure from the warm afternoons earlier in the week.
Although Wilmington itself is expected to remain above freezing, inland and sheltered locations may experience colder conditions.
No frost advisory or freeze warning is indicated in the supplied forecast.
Weekend Cooldown Continues Saturday, Nov. 14, brings sunshine but cooler temperatures, with highs near 57 degrees.
That is approximately 17 degrees below Thursday's predicted high.
Drivers along U.S. Route 17, U.S. Route 74 and Interstate 140 should not expect weather related travel disruptions from this forecast.
No rain, snow or freezing precipitation is currently indicated for the Wilmington area through Saturday.
Still, November temperature swings are a reminder that colder weather is becoming increasingly possible as Thanksgiving approaches.
The longer range outlook remains uncertain, and there is no confirmed winter storm threat for southeastern North Carolina.
Wilmington Five Day Weather Outlook Monday, Nov. 9: Sunny, high 72°F, low 41°F. Tuesday, Nov. 10: Sunny, high 74°F, low 48°F. Wednesday, Nov. 11: Mostly sunny for Veterans Day, high 74°F, low 50°F. Thursday, Nov. 12: Mostly sunny, high 74°F, low 46°F. Friday, Nov. 13: Mostly cloudy, high 62°F, low 38°F. Saturday, Nov. 14: Sunny and cooler, with a high near 57°F.
The latest National Weather Service updates will help determine whether temperatures trend colder as the following week approaches.
Are you enjoying Wilmington's November warmth, or are you ready for colder weather before Thanksgiving? Tell us what temperatures you're seeing across southeastern North Carolina.