Richmond, Virginia – A push of colder Canadian air could bring a brief period of light snow to parts of Virginia just days before St. Patrick’s Day, creating the potential for slower travel during the early spring break period.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, a cooler-than-normal weather pattern is expected to expand south from Canada across the Mid-Atlantic between Friday, March 13 and Thursday, March 19. As the colder air settles across the region, passing weather systems could allow precipitation to briefly fall as light snow between Friday, March 13 and Sunday, March 15.
Most of Virginia is not expected to see significant accumulation, but occasional snow showers could still create slick spots on elevated roadways and bridges. Drivers along Interstate 81 through the Shenandoah Valley, Interstate 64 near Richmond and Interstate 95 through central Virginia could encounter reduced visibility during brief snow bursts.
Higher elevations along the Blue Ridge Mountains, including areas near Roanoke and Blacksburg, may have a slightly better chance of seeing light accumulations if colder air holds in place longer across western portions of the state.
Air travel could also experience minor slowdowns if snow showers move through during busy travel windows. Richmond International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport serve many travelers heading out for spring break and could see brief delays if wintry precipitation develops.
The same weather pattern may bring more consistent snowfall farther north across Pennsylvania, New York and northern New England.
Travelers planning road trips should monitor weather updates and allow extra time as conditions evolve heading into the mid-March travel weekend. Additional outlook updates are expected as the pattern develops across the Mid-Atlantic.
