Richmond, Virginia – Virginia is entering a prolonged stretch of Arctic-driven cold that will shape conditions from late January into early February, with freezing nights becoming common across much of the state and limited signs of lasting relief before Valentine’s Day. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, the cold is expected to linger longer than typical for this point in winter, raising concerns for travel, utilities, and daily routines.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, temperature outlooks from January 23 through February 13 strongly favor below-normal conditions across the Mid-Atlantic, including Virginia. Repeated intrusions of cold air are expected to reinforce the pattern, preventing a sustained warmup as February begins.
In Richmond, daytime highs may hover in the 30s during the coldest stretches, while overnight lows frequently drop into the 20s, with pockets of teens in outlying areas. Northern Virginia, including Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax County, can expect similar temperatures, with biting wind chills along the Potomac River, I-66, and the Capital Beltway. Central Virginia communities such as Charlottesville and Farmville may see several hard-freeze nights, increasing the risk of frozen pipes.
Western Virginia faces the harshest conditions. In Roanoke, Blacksburg, and along the higher terrain near the Blue Ridge Parkway, temperatures may remain below freezing for extended periods, with single-digit lows possible in colder valleys. Farther east, Hampton Roads and Virginia Beach may stay slightly milder, but persistent winds off the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coastline will make conditions feel significantly colder, especially near bridges and tunnels.
The extended cold heightens the risk of frostbite and hypothermia during prolonged outdoor exposure. Residents are urged to dress in layers, limit time outside overnight and early morning, protect exposed plumbing, and bring pets indoors. While brief moderation is possible, longer-range signals suggest meaningful warmth may not return until after Valentine’s Day, with additional cold weather advisories possible as this pattern continues.
