Richmond, Virginia – Winter may not be ready to step aside across Virginia, as Groundhog Day tradition lines up with broader climate signals pointing to a slower transition into spring. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Monday morning, a long-held sign of six more weeks of winter that delays expectations for consistent warmth until around mid-March.
According to the National Weather Service, Virginia is included in an “equal chances” category for temperatures from February through April. That means no strong signal favoring sustained warmth or prolonged cold, keeping the potential for late-season cold snaps, wintry mixes, and sharp temperature swings in play. Northern Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley, and areas west of I-81 remain more vulnerable to lingering winter conditions, while Richmond, Hampton Roads, and coastal communities could see frequent back-and-forth shifts between chilly and milder air.
Precipitation is expected to be a key factor. According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, parts of Virginia are included in a broader Mid-Atlantic region favored for above-normal precipitation through early spring. That raises concerns for heavier rain events during mild stretches and occasional snow or icy mixes during colder periods, which can impact travel along I-95, I-64, and I-81 and increase localized flooding risks in low-lying areas.
While the Farmers’ Almanac notes spring officially begins Friday, March 20, and highlights a total lunar eclipse beginning early Tuesday, March 3, winter-related impacts may persist beyond those milestones. Virginians are encouraged to stay weather-aware and prepared for changing conditions, as additional advisories could follow into early spring.
