Wilmington is bracing for a cold snap next week, with potential snow and ice expected. Here’s what you need to know about the forecast.
As of Saturday morning, forecasters are saying we might see some winter weather from Tuesday into Wednesday. It’s still a bit unclear if it’ll be snow or ice, and the timing is still up in the air.
Temperatures are set to drop, so here’s what to expect. The National Weather Service is warning that it’s going to be super cold from Monday through Wednesday, with highs only in the 30s and lows dipping into the teens. They’re saying this will be the coldest air we’ve had this season, so it’s a good idea to prepare for it.
There could be some issues with water and power due to freezing pipes and high heating demands. Accuweather also mentioned that this frigid air could affect daily life and the economy, leading to school closures and health risks.
Now, about the snow: the weather service is getting more confident about winter precipitation next week. They’re saying there’s a 40% chance of snow after 1 p.m. on Tuesday, with that chance jumping to 70% Tuesday night. The snow could stick around into Wednesday but should wrap up by early afternoon.
The Weather Channel is predicting we could see between 5 to 8 inches of snow during that time.
If you’re wondering when it last snowed in Wilmington, flurries were spotted on December 3, 2024, but before that, the last measurable snowfall was on January 29, 2022, when we got half an inch.
The biggest snowstorm on record for Wilmington was the Great Christmas Blizzard of 1989, which dumped 15.3 inches of snow. Since 1870, Wilmington has seen a total of 241 inches of snow, but the average yearly snowfall is just 1.6 inches.
Even if we don’t get snow, the cold can still pose safety risks. Here are some tips to stay safe: keep your gas tank at least half full, let your faucets drip to prevent freezing, and have extra blankets and warm clothes ready. Also, make sure your car is winter-ready with good antifreeze and tires.
Stay warm and keep an eye on the forecast!
