Richmond, Virginia – A fast-moving cold front is set to disrupt travel across Virginia this afternoon, bringing rain, a brief storm threat, and a sharp temperature drop before the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, rain will spread across central and eastern Virginia through the afternoon, with most areas picking up between 0.25 and 0.5 inches by late evening. A few thunderstorms are possible, especially between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., as the front pushes east.
Temperatures will vary dramatically across the state. Northern areas like Fredericksburg and D.C. suburbs fall into the low 50s by late afternoon, while southeastern Virginia, including Norfolk and Virginia Beach, may briefly reach the upper 70s to near 80 degrees before the front arrives.
Roads along I-95, I-64, and I-264 will become slick during heavier showers, with reduced visibility at times. Gusty winds will follow the front, adding to driving concerns during peak travel hours.
Rain tapers off from north to south this evening, but cooler air settles in quickly, dropping temperatures into the 40s overnight.
Conditions dry out overnight, with cooler weather holding into the weekend as the front clears the region.
