Wilmington, NC — A sharp early-season chill settled over southeastern North Carolina on Saturday, leaving many communities waking to upper 30s and near 40°F, while some rural spots plunged much lower.
The National Weather Service office in Wilmington reported Back Island in Pender County dropping to 29°F, and sensors in the Holly Shelter area registering readings in the low 20s—one of the coldest mornings of the fall so far. Nearby sites such as Whiteville, Conway Airport, and Marlboro Airport saw lows in the upper 30s. Across the border in South Carolina, temperatures started at 32°F in Cool Spring and hovered around 40°F near Loris and Darlington.
Forecasters attribute the chill to classic radiational cooling: clear skies, light winds, and dry air allowed warmth to escape into the night. While no widespread frost advisories were issued, meteorologists recommend keeping an eye on pre-dawn temperatures over the next few days, as another brisk start is possible before a gradual warmup arrives next week.
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