Richmond, VA – Virginia may see a messy stretch of early-winter weather from December 18–24, with NOAA’s temperature outlook showing above-normal readings statewide, paired with an above-normal precipitation signal. While the warm trend limits widespread snowfall, it increases the likelihood of freezing rain and wintry mix in colder pockets—especially in the western half of the state as holiday travel peaks.
According to NOAA, western and mountainous Virginia—including Roanoke, Blacksburg, Staunton, Harrisonburg, and the higher elevations along I-81—will be most at risk for overnight freezing rain from December 19–21. Cold air often holds in valleys even when temperatures rise elsewhere, creating setups favorable for light ice glaze, slippery bridges, and dangerous early-morning travel.
Central Virginia—including Richmond, Charlottesville, and Fredericksburg—sits in a marginal temperature zone where storms may begin with a brief ice or sleet mix, especially late at night, before transitioning to rain as daytime temperatures rise.
Eastern Virginia—including Williamsburg, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and the Northern Neck—leans warm enough for mainly rain, though heavier bursts may cause ponding water and reduced visibility during high-volume travel periods.
Late-week cooling from December 22–24 may allow precipitation to end as wet snow in parts of the Shenandoah Valley and along the Blue Ridge, but widespread accumulation remains unlikely given the warm-temperature bias.
Major travel corridors—including I-95, I-81, I-64, and U.S. 29—may face slick patches, reduced visibility, and delays, especially December 21–24.
