Virginia greets the first full morning of 2026 with a cold coastal chill as Weather Alert conditions settle across the Hampton Roads region. Breath hangs briefly in the air, lawns glisten, and temperatures hover near the freezing mark to start the day.
Early readings sit around 33 degrees near Virginia Beach and Oceana. Sunshine dominates today, helping temperatures climb into the low 50s by afternoon. It feels brighter than it looks, but shaded areas may still hold onto a frosty edge from earlier cold.
Conditions shift quickly as the weekend approaches. Clouds increase tonight, locking in lows near 36 degrees. Any leftover moisture could briefly refreeze on bridges or elevated roadways before temperatures stabilize.
Attention turns to Saturday, when a chance of rain develops by early afternoon. Rain becomes more likely into the evening, with probabilities climbing near 60 percent. While rainfall amounts stay modest, wet pavement and cool air combine to create slick travel conditions, especially along coastal routes and neighborhood streets.
Drivers should plan ahead. Reduced traction, damp roads, and steady drizzle may slow traffic during peak weekend travel hours. Allow extra time and watch for sudden braking near intersections.
Sunday brings improvement. Sunshine returns, winds turn northerly, and highs reach the low 40s. Roads begin drying, and visibility improves as the rain system exits offshore. The night remains cold, with lows dipping back near 32 degrees, allowing any lingering moisture to freeze again.
Meteorologists note this pattern reflects a broader winter divide, with colder air lingering across the Northeast while milder conditions hold farther south. For coastal Virginia, that means quick swings between freeze and rain.
Keep layers handy. Expect changing road conditions. Winter remains active as the first weekend of 2026 unfolds.
📅 Five-Day Outlook — Virginia Beach, VA
- Today: Mostly sunny, high near 52
- Saturday: Rain chance, high near 41
- Sunday: Sunny, cooler, high near 43
- Monday: Partly sunny, high near 45
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, milder, high near 55
