Richmond, Va. – A sharp drop in temperatures greeted much of Virginia today as a cold front swept south, bringing highs only in the upper 60s to mid-70s across the state. Showers lingered into the afternoon, but the bigger story is the shift from summer heat to fall-like air.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, conditions will turn cooler and drier tonight before settling into the 70s Monday under mostly sunny skies inland. Along the coast, however, breezy onshore winds will keep clouds in place and contribute to a moderate to high rip current risk from Monday through Wednesday. Swimmers and beachgoers are urged to stay in designated guarded areas and avoid rough surf.
Cities from Richmond to Norfolk will stay comfortable through midweek, with highs generally in the 70s and overnight lows dipping into the 60s. The Outer Banks of northeast North Carolina may climb closer to 80 degrees Monday, but cloud cover increases Tuesday and Wednesday for both Virginia and coastal Carolina.
Travelers should plan for breezy conditions along Interstate 64 toward the Tidewater region and for reduced beach access in parts of Virginia Beach due to surf hazards.
Cooler weather will hold through midweek, with the next chance for notable changes coming late week.
