Right now, if you step outside in downtown Wilmington, you're going to feel a sharp, biting wind that the locals call the "Cape Fear chill." It’s currently 47°F, but honestly, that number is a bit of a liar. With the wind kicking up from the southwest at about 11 mph, the "feels like" temperature is dragging down to a much more sobering 41°F.
Wilmington is in that weird mid-January pocket where the Atlantic Ocean tries to keep things mild, but the Arctic air masses from the north simply aren't having it. Today, January 15, 2026, we’re seeing a significant drop compared to the 60-degree rain we dealt with yesterday. The sky is holding onto some heavy cloud cover, which basically acts like a damp blanket—it’s not providing any warmth, just keeping the humidity around 78% and making the air feel thick and heavy.
The Wilmington Temperature Rollercoaster
If you’ve lived here long enough, you know the current temperature in Wilmington is usually just a suggestion. We are a city of extremes in the winter. For context, on this exact day back in 1928, people were probably walking around in short sleeves because it hit a record high of 77°F. Fast forward to 1988, and it was a bone-chilling 18°F.
That 59-degree spread is typical for the Port City. We’re currently hovering right near the historical average of 46.5°F for mid-January, but the forecast for the next 24 hours is where things get interesting. We are bracing for a "flash freeze" scenario. While it’s 47°F at the moment, the floor is about to fall out.
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Tonight, the mercury is expected to plummet to around 29°F. That’s a nearly 20-degree drop in just a few hours.
What the Current Forecast Means for Your Day
Most people see "high 40s" and think a light jacket is enough. Don't fall for it. The humidity coming off the river and the ocean makes a Southern cold feel much deeper than a dry cold out West.
- Morning Flurries are Possible: Believe it or not, there's a legitimate chance for some morning flurries or light snow showers early Thursday. In Wilmington, snow is basically a local holiday or a sign of the apocalypse, depending on who you ask.
- The Wind Shift: As we move into the afternoon, the wind is going to pivot. We’ll lose that southwest breeze and pick up a sharp, 15 to 20 mph gust from the northwest.
- The Sun’s Return: Despite the cold, we’re looking at clear, sunny skies by tomorrow afternoon. It’ll be beautiful, but the high will barely crack 44°F.
Why the "Feels Like" Temperature Matters in ILM
Meteorologists at the National Weather Service office over on Gardner Drive often talk about the impact of our coastal geography. Because Wilmington is sandwiched between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic, the dew point—currently sitting at 41°F—plays a massive role in how your skin actually perceives the temperature.
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When the humidity is high, like it is tonight at 78%, your body has a harder time regulating heat. It’s that "damp cold" that gets into your bones. It's the reason why 47°F in Wilmington feels more like 35°F in a place like Raleigh or Charlotte.
Looking Toward the Weekend
We are stuck in a clipper system pattern. These are fast-moving storms that bring quick bursts of cold and occasionally some moisture. If you’re planning on heading to Wrightsville Beach or taking a walk around Greenfield Lake this weekend, keep a close eye on the track of the Sunday storm.
There is some early chatter about rain changing over to snow on Sunday night. While Wilmington usually misses the "big one" due to the salt air and coastal warming, the current temperature trends suggest we are in a much colder cycle than we saw in the relatively mild January of 2025.
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Survival Tips for a Wilmington Cold Snap
Since we aren't exactly the frozen tundra, we tend to be a little unprepared when the temperature dips below freezing.
- Drip those faucets: With a projected low of 29°F tonight, it’s just cold enough to cause issues with older plumbing, especially in the historic district.
- Bring in the plants: If you have tropicals or citrus out on the patio, bring them in now. The wind chill tonight will be well into the low 20s.
- Layers over heavy coats: Because it will be 47°F now but 29°F later, a single heavy parka will make you sweat during the day and leave you shivering tonight. Use a wind-resistant outer shell.
The current temperature in Wilmington is a reminder that winter in the South is less about a steady season and more about a series of chaotic events. We’ll likely be back in the 60s by next week, but for tonight, find the heavy blankets.
Next Steps for Wilmington Residents:
Check your tire pressure tonight; these sudden 20-degree drops usually trigger "low pressure" sensors in most vehicles. If you're heading out early Thursday, give yourself an extra five minutes to defrost your windshield, as the high humidity followed by freezing temps is a recipe for thick ice on glass.