Enjoy the calm while it lasts — Wilmington’s weather is about to switch gears. Tuesday might start off like a picture-perfect spring morning, but don’t get too comfortable. By the afternoon, we’re in for a round of spring showers and some pretty strong winds that could shake up your evening plans.
Let’s break down what’s heading our way — and what you might want to prep for before you head out the door.
Tuesday Morning Starts Off Fine… But It Won’t Stay That Way
Early in the day, things will feel great. We’ll have partly sunny skies, mild temperatures climbing into the mid-60s, and that kind of comfortable spring air that makes you want to leave the windows open.
But by around 2 PM, things will start to change. Skies will cloud up, and showers will begin to roll in. It won’t be a complete washout, but the rain could be steady in some spots — maybe even a quick rumble of thunder here or there.
And then there’s the wind.
Wind Picks Up in a Big Way Tuesday Afternoon
As the rain moves in, winds will really start to crank up. We’re looking at steady breezes between 15 and 20 mph, but gusts could easily hit 40 mph by the late afternoon and into the evening. That’s strong enough to knock around anything you’ve got sitting loose outside — think patio furniture, trash bins, hanging planters — and it could definitely make driving a little more intense, especially if you’re in a taller vehicle.
By the time we get to Tuesday night, temperatures will dip into the low 40s, adding a bit of a chill to the damp and breezy air.
What About Wednesday?
Wednesday brings a return of the sunshine, but don’t expect a big warmup. Highs will stay around 54 degrees, and the wind isn’t going anywhere. Gusts could still reach 45 mph, so it’ll feel colder than it is — definitely a “light jacket stays on all day” kind of day.
Overnight, temperatures will drop again into the upper 30s, so it’s not quite time to stash away your cool-weather gear.
What You Can Do to Get Ahead of It
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Bring in or tie down anything outdoors that could get tossed around — especially ahead of Tuesday afternoon.
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Take it easy on the roads, especially during the evening commute. Gusty conditions can make things tricky, particularly on bridges and highways.
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If you’ve got allergies, be ready. That wind is going to stir up a mix of pollen and dust.
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Skip the flimsy umbrella — between the wind and rain, it won’t stand a chance. Go for a rain jacket or something sturdy if you’re headed out.
This is one of those spring forecasts where it feels like we’re getting a little bit of everything — a warm start, a soggy middle, and a blustery finish. It’s nothing to panic about, but definitely worth planning around.
