RICHMOND, Va. – NOAA’s new seasonal guidance, issued Thursday, Oct. 16, shows Virginia entering 2026 with a colder, more unsettled pattern that could bring multiple snow and ice events through March. The Climate Prediction Center highlights above-normal precipitation and near- to below-normal temperatures for much of the state — a signature of La Niña’s influence on East Coast winters.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, “This pattern favors repeated cold fronts and storm systems riding the boundary between Arctic and coastal air.” Western and central Virginia — including Roanoke, Staunton, and Harrisonburg — appear most likely to see consistent snowfall, while eastern areas such as Richmond and Fredericksburg may face frequent mix events of snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
Forecasters expect the most active period between mid-January and late February, with at least several storms capable of producing hazardous travel on I-81, I-64, and I-95. Even minor accumulations could lead to slick roads and scattered power outages, especially during overnight freezes. VDOT urges motorists to prepare for changing conditions during each Arctic surge.
NOAA’s long-range maps also suggest colder air may linger into early March, delaying spring warmth and extending frost risks for growers. Mountain communities near Blacksburg and Wytheville could see snow totals well above average if current trends continue.
For Virginia, Winter 2026 looks colder and stormier than recent years — a season likely to test patience, preparedness, and road crews statewide.
