Wilmington, Delaware – Delaware begins the holiday period under cold but calm conditions, with dry roads and quiet skies early on. That brief break is expected to end quickly, as a developing weather system increases the risk of wintry precipitation heading into the weekend, raising concerns for post-Christmas travel across northern Delaware and nearby corridors in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Forecast guidance from the National Weather Service indicates a noticeable warm-to-cold transition after Christmas Day. While temperatures stay mild enough for rain at first, colder air arriving late Thursday sets the stage for a mixed winter event beginning Friday and lingering into Saturday.
How the Weather Pattern Is Shifting After Christmas
Christmas Day itself remains relatively manageable. Daytime highs are expected to reach the upper 40s, allowing for mainly rain where precipitation develops. Roads should stay wet rather than icy during the day.
That changes Thursday night. A colder air mass slides into the region, pushing overnight lows into the mid-20s. This temperature drop is critical, as it primes road surfaces for freezing once precipitation returns.
Meteorologists are monitoring a developing system expected to arrive on Friday. Rain becomes more likely by Friday afternoon, but falling temperatures later in the day increase the chance that precipitation transitions into a wintry mix.
Friday Evening: Highest Travel Risk Window
The most concerning period appears to be Friday evening through late night. As colder air deepens, rain may begin mixing with sleet and snow, with a risk of freezing rain as temperatures hover near 28 degrees overnight.
Conditions could deteriorate quickly after sunset. Wet pavement may freeze, especially on bridges, overpasses, and elevated roadways, creating black ice that is difficult to see. Even a thin glaze of ice can significantly increase the risk of crashes, particularly on untreated secondary roads.
Travelers heading out Friday night should plan for slower speeds, longer travel times, and the possibility of rapidly changing road conditions.
Saturday Brings Lingering Impacts
Wintry weather does not exit quickly. Saturday morning may still see a rain-snow mix, with temperatures struggling to climb beyond the upper 30s. Slushy patches could persist, and visibility may briefly drop during heavier precipitation bursts.
While this system is not expected to produce heavy snowfall totals, timing remains the primary concern. Daytime moisture followed by evening temperature drops increases the risk of flash freezing, especially if skies clear late Saturday.
Part of a Broader Regional Weather Pattern
This setup fits into a larger national weather picture. Portions of the Mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes are dealing with snow and ice, while parts of California face heavier rain. Locally, Delaware’s weather signals a more seasonal shift as December winds down.
Winter is asserting itself during the final week of the year, and even modest systems can have outsized impacts when temperatures fluctuate around freezing.
Five-Day Outlook for Wilmington, Delaware
- Today: Sunny and breezy, high near 46
- Christmas Day: Slight chance of rain, high near 47
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy and colder, high near 34
- Friday: Rain turning wintry, high near 34
- Saturday: Chance of rain and snow, high near 39
What Travelers Should Keep in Mind
If you have post-Christmas travel plans, monitor forecasts closely through Friday. Adjust travel timing when possible, allow extra time on the roads, and be cautious during evening and overnight hours when freezing conditions are most likely.
Share your experiences in the comments below.
