Richmond, Virginia – A noticeable shift toward milder weather is expected across Virginia by Thursday as temperatures climb above freezing, triggering a mid-February thaw that could quickly change road conditions and daily routines statewide.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the 8–14 day outlook valid from Friday, February 13 through Thursday, February 19 favors above-normal temperatures across most of the Commonwealth. Daytime highs are expected to rise into the upper 30s and 40s beginning Thursday, accelerating snowmelt and reducing lingering ice on roads and sidewalks.
Richmond, Northern Virginia, the I-95 corridor, Hampton Roads, and much of central and southern Virginia all fall within the warmer-than-average signal. Even western and higher-elevation communities trend milder than seasonal norms, though refreezing remains possible overnight where meltwater persists.
Precipitation probabilities trend near to slightly above normal during this period, increasing the likelihood of rain or a rain-snow mix as warmer air moves in. The Virginia Department of Transportation notes that major routes including I-95, I-81, I-64, Route 29, and Route 58 could see slushy conditions, standing water, and slick spots during the morning and evening commute windows, particularly on bridges and shaded stretches.
The milder pattern is expected to hold into the middle of next week. Drivers and residents should remain alert for updated advisories, as additional short-term alerts may be issued if precipitation timing or refreeze risks become more defined across Virginia.
