Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Wilmington, NC

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984
FXUS62 KILM 282329
AFDILM

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
729 PM EDT Mon Sep 28 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Updated aviation discussion for 00Z terminal forecasts. Otherwise,
no changes.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...
- 1) Minor coastal flooding expected at high tide along the
  coast and the lower Cape Fear River for at least a few more
  days, particularly during the daytime high tide cycles.

- 2) Warming trend kicks off Tuesday, allowing temperatures to
  soar above seasonal norms. Next earnest rain chances return by
  this weekend.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1...Minor coastal flooding expected at high tide
along the coast and the lower Cape Fear River for at least a few
more days, particularly during the daytime high tide cycles.

High astronomical tides will continue to combine with positive
tidal anomalies to deliver minor coastal flooding at high tide
for at least the next few days. The flooding will be slightly
more pronounced during the daytime high tides, where tidal
anomalies are a bit higher.

Another round of Coastal Flood Advisories will go into effect
tonight for the entire coastline from South Santee River, SC to
Surf City, NC from 7 PM - 11 PM EDT, along with the lower Cape
Fear River, including downtown Wilmington, from 9 PM - 2 AM
EDT.

KEY MESSAGE 2...Warming trend kicks off Tuesday, allowing
temperatures to soar above seasonal norms. Next earnest rain
chances return by this weekend.

500 mb heights start picking up Tuesday, with ridging starting
to poke up from the Gulf. This kicks off the start of above
normal temperatures that appear to last Tuesday through
Saturday. Highs in the mid-to-upper 80s looks like a slam dunk
for most. Highs around 90F appear possible along and west of
I-95 as early as Wednesday, with those chances solidifying more
by Thursday and Friday (could potentially be 90-92F in some
spots). Moisture parameters pick up as well, with dewpoints
soaring into the 60s, and even into the lower 70s for the
coastal areas Thursday through Saturday. Friday in particular
could be the most hot and humid day of the week, with the heat
index climbing up towards 95 in some spots (in October, mind
you).

Pattern starts to flip by Saturday. The heat ridge starts to
push offshore, while a very broad trough pattern that stretches
from near the PNW all the way to New England helps to suppress
the ridge southward. Weak shortwave energy breaks off the broad
trough and will help produce scattered showers and perhaps a few
rumbles of thunder Saturday, but nothing appears to be a washout
at this time. These rain chances appear to get a bit more
bullish by Sunday and Monday, as part of the broad trough in the
upper Midwest amplifies and sweeps through the Southeast as a
more organized frontal system. Still much to debate about the
timing and organization of this system, along with what kind of
rainfall amounts to expect.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
VFR conditions with light and variable winds are expected through
much of the valid taf period before a light south to southeast wind
develops at the coastal terminals late in the period.

Extended Forecast...Predominantly VFR through at least Friday. Fog
might become a bit more of an issue during the mornings,
particularly Thursday through Saturday. Earnest rain chances come
back into play Saturday with the next system, which may introduce
more organized flight restrictions.

&&

.MARINE...
Through Saturday...Rather benign marine conditions expected
through the first half of the weekend, with a gentle breeze that
fluctuates a bit out of the E to S during the daytime, becoming
a more variable light breeze at night. Seas remain at 1-2 ft
through Wednesday, with perhaps some 3 ft waves trying to sneak
into the waters out 60 nm by Wednesday night. In between light
wind chop, look for a persistent long period easterly swell at
10-13 seconds.

&&

.ILM WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NC...Coastal Flood Advisory from 7 PM to 11 PM EDT this evening for
     NCZ106-108-110.
     Coastal Flood Advisory from 9 PM this evening to 2 AM EDT
     Tuesday for NCZ107.
SC...Coastal Flood Advisory from 7 PM to 11 PM EDT this evening for
     SCZ054-056.
MARINE...None.

&&

$$

WHAT HAS CHANGED...IGB
KEY MESSAGES...IGB
DISCUSSION...IGB
AVIATION...31
MARINE...IGB