Wakefield, VA – A very cold night is expected across central and eastern Virginia, with temperatures plunging into the teens and lower 20s for most inland communities, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Wakefield. Coastal locations will be slightly warmer, but still chilly, with overnight lows ranging from the upper 20s to lower 30s.
Forecasters say the pattern of clear skies and light winds will allow temperatures to fall rapidly after sunset. Areas including Richmond, Petersburg, Emporia, Tappahannock, and Franklin are forecast to bottom out between 17°F and 23°F, making it one of the coldest nights of the season so far.
Along the immediate coastline—such as Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and portions of the Outer Banks—temperatures will remain somewhat milder but still below normal, generally between 28°F and 33°F. NWS notes that despite the coastal moderation, many locations near the water will still experience a noticeable overnight chill.
Cold conditions follow several days of below-average temperatures across the region. The combination of dry air, mostly clear skies, and diminishing wind creates ideal conditions for overnight cooling, and residents should take steps to protect vulnerable plants, pipes, and outdoor pets.
Drivers heading out early Saturday morning should also be aware of the potential for icy spots, particularly in rural areas where temperatures fall fastest. Even without recent precipitation, frost can make surfaces slick before sunrise.
Temperatures will begin to rebound gradually Saturday afternoon, but another cold night is possible before a warming trend develops later in the weekend.
