Weather
North Carolina Weather: Wilmington Coastal Flooding Oct. 31, Thanksgiving Rain or Snow Chances Uncertain
WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Coastal flooding could affect portions of downtown Wilmington Saturday afternoon, Oct. 31, as a Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect along the lower Cape Fear River. M
By Cameron Hayes · 2026-10-31T08:28:47.694Z
WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Coastal flooding could affect portions of downtown Wilmington Saturday afternoon, Oct. 31, as a Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect along the lower Cape Fear River. Meanwhile, temperatures are expected to climb toward 80 degrees by midweek before rain chances return, with Thanksgiving holiday travel conditions for Nov. 14 27 still uncertain.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, up to one half foot of inundation above ground level is expected in low lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday.
Wilmington Coastal Flood Advisory: Minor Flooding Possible Saturday Afternoon The Coastal Flood Advisory covers the lower Cape Fear River, including downtown Wilmington.
The National Weather Service identifies the lowest portions of USS North Carolina Road and Battleship Road as areas where minor coastal flooding could develop.
Water may also begin spreading from storm drains onto Water Street just south of Market Street in downtown Wilmington.
The Cape Fear River tide forecast calls for a high tide of 5.5 feet at 3 p.m. Saturday, reaching the minor flood threshold.
Motorists should allow additional travel time where roads become flooded and avoid driving through standing water of unknown depth.
The advisory expires at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.
North Carolina Warms to 80 Degrees Before Rain Chances Return Away from the immediate coastal flooding concern, Wilmington's forecast turns increasingly warm during the first week of November.
Saturday brings mostly sunny skies and a high near 71 degrees, with northeast winds gusting to 17 mph. Temperatures fall to around 52 overnight.
Sunday remains mostly sunny, with a high near 72 degrees and northeast wind gusts reaching 18 mph.
Monday brings mostly cloudy skies and a high near 74 degrees, followed by an overnight low around 58.
Tuesday warms to 78 degrees under partly sunny skies, with temperatures falling to around 63 overnight.
Wednesday could reach 80 degrees before a 30% chance of showers develops after 8 p.m.
Thursday brings another high near 80 degrees and a 40% chance of showers. Rain chances remain at 30% Thursday night before increasing to 40% Friday, when temperatures reach around 78.
Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Nov. 14 27: Rain or Snow in North Carolina? The combination of coastal flooding and returning rain chances comes as North Carolina approaches the Thanksgiving holiday travel season.
Thanksgiving falls Thursday, Nov. 26, but the available National Weather Service forecast for Wilmington only extends through Friday, Nov. 6.
That means the current forecast does not establish whether rain, snow or dry conditions will affect Wilmington during Nov. 14 27.
Snow is uncommon along the southeastern North Carolina coast in November, and the supplied forecast contains no winter precipitation predictions.
The immediate concerns are Saturday's minor coastal flooding potential and scattered rain chances later in the week.
No Thanksgiving period snowfall amounts, winter weather alerts or specific holiday travel disruptions are identified in the available forecast.
Wilmington Five Day Weather Forecast Sunday, Nov. 1: Mostly sunny, high near 72°F. Mostly cloudy overnight, low around 55°F. Monday, Nov. 2: Mostly cloudy, high near 74°F. Mostly cloudy overnight, low around 58°F. Tuesday, Nov. 3: Partly sunny, high near 78°F. Partly cloudy overnight, low around 63°F. Wednesday, Nov. 4: Partly sunny, high near 80°F. A 30% chance of showers after 8 p.m., low around 64°F. Thursday, Nov. 5: Partly sunny, high near 80°F, with a 40% chance of showers. Mostly cloudy overnight, low around 62°F, with a 30% chance of showers. Wilmington residents should watch for minor tidal flooding Saturday afternoon before a warmer, mostly dry stretch gives way to scattered rain chances Wednesday night through Friday. Thanksgiving holiday weather remains uncertain pending updated forecasts extending into late November.