Honestly, Topsail Island weather is a bit of a chameleon. You think you’ve got it figured out because you saw a sunny icon on your phone, but then the wind shifts off the Atlantic and suddenly you're shivering in a t-shirt. It’s kinda legendary for that. If you're looking at the weather forecast for topsail island right now, specifically for this Sunday, January 18, 2026, things are getting pretty interesting.
Right now, it's a cloudy Saturday night with a temperature of 54°F. A light breeze is coming out of the southwest at 7 mph. It feels peaceful, but don't let that fool you. The humidity is sitting high at 84%, which usually means the air has that heavy, damp coastal feel that gets into your bones once the sun goes down.
The Sunday Reality Check
Tomorrow is going to be a total 180 from the 62°F we saw today. We’re looking at a high of only 48°F. That’s a significant drop.
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Basically, Sunday is going to be a washout. There is an 80% chance of rain during the day. If you were planning on a long walk at Serenity Point or hunting for shark teeth, you’re probably going to get soaked. The wind is also shifting. It’ll be coming from the north at 15 mph, which is going to make that 48 degrees feel a lot colder than it looks on paper.
Here’s the wild part: tomorrow night, the temperature is going to tank to 30°F. There is even a 15% chance of snow after dark as things clear out. Snow on a barrier island? It’s rare, but the conditions are lining up for a dusting or at least some flurries.
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What the Rest of the Week Looks Like
If you can make it through the soggy Sunday, the weather forecast for topsail island actually clears up quite nicely for the start of the work week.
- Monday (Jan 19): Full sun. It’ll stay chilly with a high of 50°F and a low of 30°F. The wind stays at 11 mph from the southwest.
- Tuesday (Jan 20): Mostly sunny but even colder. High of 44°F and a low of 29°F. This is the coldest day of the stretch.
- Wednesday (Jan 21): Clouds start rolling back in. High of 50°F, low of 30°F.
People always ask me when the best time to visit is. Most folks swear by October, and honestly, they aren't wrong. The "cloudiest" month is actually July, which surprises people because they associate summer with constant sun. In reality, those afternoon thunderstorms roll in off the sound and park themselves over the island.
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Staying Safe When the Atlantic Gets Angry
Since we’re talking about island weather, we have to mention the "H" word. Hurricane season is June 1 to November 30. If you’re visiting during those months, you’ve got to stay flexible.
I’ve seen people ignore the "Turn Around, Don't Drown" signs during heavy tidal flooding on New River Inlet Road, and it never ends well. Saltwater ruins cars. Fast. If the local authorities in Surf City or North Topsail Beach tell you to move your car to higher ground because of a storm surge, do it immediately.
For the surfers and fishers, the wind direction is everything here. A southwest wind (like we have tonight) is okay, but that shift to a 15 mph north wind on Sunday is going to churn up the surf significantly. Check the local tide tables from NOAA before you head out to the Jolly Roger Pier, especially since the tides can fluctuate wildly based on wind push.
Actionable Next Steps
- Layers are non-negotiable: For Sunday and Monday, you need a windbreaker over a fleece. The north wind on the beach is relentless.
- Download a local radar app: National apps often miss the micro-climates of the NC barrier islands. WECT 6 is a solid local choice for real-time updates.
- Watch the bridges: If wind speeds hit sustained levels above 40 mph, the high-rise bridges can close. This isn't an issue for this Sunday's 15 mph winds, but it's vital for tropical systems.
- Check the UV Index: Even on Monday when it’s only 50°F, the UV index is 3. You can still get a "windburn" or a light sunburn because the sand reflects so much light.
The weather forecast for topsail island shows a cold, wet transition over the next 24 hours. Grab a coffee, stay inside tomorrow, and wait for that Monday sun to return.