Richmond, Virginia – A push of Arctic air is expected to spread across Virginia between Jan. 18 and Jan. 22, bringing a period of colder-than-normal temperatures as a clipper system reinforces a broader pattern shift across the eastern United States.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s 6–10 day temperature outlook, Virginia is favored to experience below-normal temperatures during this period as a deep upper-level trough settles over the East. The colder pattern follows the breakdown of a recent mild stretch, driven by strong ridging across the western U.S. and Alaska that allows Arctic air to surge southward.
Daytime high temperatures are expected to run several degrees below mid-January averages, while overnight lows drop more sharply across inland and western portions of the state. The coldest conditions are most likely across the Piedmont and higher elevations, where increasing winds behind the clipper system could produce noticeably colder wind chills, especially overnight and during early morning hours.
Through Jan. 22, precipitation chances are expected to remain near normal for this time of year, with no strong signal for widespread snowfall during the core cold window. Forecast guidance suggests the incoming Arctic air mass will be relatively dry, limiting snow potential unless additional moisture becomes available.
Looking beyond the immediate cold stretch, forecast outlooks indicate a 20% to 40% risk of heavy snow sometime during the Jan. 20–26 timeframe for portions of the Appalachian region, which includes western Virginia. While confidence remains low regarding exact timing and placement, the colder pattern could support more impactful snowfall if storm systems align.
For Virginia commuters, students, and outdoor workers, the primary concern through Jan. 22 will be prolonged cold exposure and increased heating demand, with closer monitoring advised for potential mountain snow later in the period.
