WILMINGTON, NC — Saturday greeted the Cape Fear River with warm, honeyed light and a quiet breeze, a peaceful pause before the atmosphere turns more unsettled. The late-October calm won’t last long: by Monday, clouds and pockets of rain will slide up the Carolina coastline, ushering in a breezier, wetter start to the week.
The National Weather Service in Wilmington says a sturdy dome of high pressure keeps Saturday mostly sunny, with highs near 68°F. A northeast wind around 8 mph will maintain mild, dry conditions from Brunswick to Pender and New Hanover counties. Sunday stays comfortable, but expect a thicker deck of clouds as moisture gathers offshore.
Rain chances ramp up Monday, especially along U.S. 17 and I-40, where the probability of showers sits around 40–50%. Beach communities could see gusts up to 20 mph, leading to rougher surf and challenging boating conditions. While most areas will pick up light totals, brief downpours could slow coastal traffic—particularly from Leland to Topsail Beach during the afternoon hours.
Plan for damp commutes Monday and Tuesday, tie down outdoor décor, and keep an eye on marine advisories. Temperatures hold in the mid-60s through the early week, and persistent onshore flow will add a cool, breezy feel into midweek.
By Wednesday, partial clearing should return, setting the stage for a mild lead-up to Halloween—pleasant for trick-or-treating if the rain exits as current forecasts indicate.
November’s chill is lurking, and this early-week coastal rain may be its opening note.
Five-Day Outlook for Wilmington, NC:
– Sat: 68/49 — Sunny and tranquil; great for outdoor plans.
– Sun: 68/53 — Clouds increasing; a bit breezy late.
– Mon: 64/53 — Scattered showers; gusty near the beaches.
– Tue: 64/51 — Mostly cloudy with spotty light rain.
– Wed: 66/52 — Partly sunny; a small chance of a coastal shower.
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