Wilmington, North Carolina – A warm, humid breeze settled over Wilmington early Saturday as low clouds drifted along the Cape Fear River, signaling an unsettled pattern ahead of the busy Thanksgiving travel surge. With drivers already hitting the roads toward I-40, US-17, and nearby coastal corridors, today’s shifting weather could influence timing for anyone leaving before the holiday week. Forecasters warn that a developing storm chance may bring brief delays, slick pavement, and reduced visibility during key travel hours.
Incident Overview: Changing Weather Conditions Ahead
This weekend’s weather pattern sets up a classic coastal North Carolina mix: warm air moving inland, pockets of instability, and a weak disturbance sliding across the region. These ingredients could support isolated storms on Saturday, especially late morning into early afternoon. While today starts relatively quiet, residents should remain alert for quick changes, as even light showers may slow early travel.
Meteorologists note that the Carolinas are positioned between mild Southeastern air and a stronger cold pattern taking shape across the Midwest. According to early long-range models, a developing pre-Thanksgiving system could bring heavy snow to parts of the Midwest and Appalachians — a factor that may ripple into national air travel next week.
Timeline of Expected Weather
Today (Friday) begins with partly sunny skies and a 20% chance of a brief shower. Temperatures rise into the mid-70s, supported by a strengthening southwest breeze by late afternoon. Roads may remain damp in spots after periods of early-morning drizzle, and visibility could shift at times.
Tonight, conditions stay warm and humid with lows holding in the lower 60s, maintaining the unsettled pattern…