WAKEFIELD, Va. — A warmer but breezy afternoon is on tap across central and eastern Virginia today as southwest winds increase ahead of an approaching cold front, according to the National Weather Service office in Wakefield.
Wind gusts are expected to reach between 20 and 30 mph by mid- to late afternoon, particularly across open areas and along the coast. Forecasters say while temperatures will remain below normal for early December, conditions will be noticeably milder than previous days. Highs will range from the mid-40s to upper 40s inland, with low 50s expected along the Tidewater and coastal regions.
The increase in southwest flow will bring a temporary warmup under mostly cloudy skies before a cold front slides through the region later tonight. No precipitation is expected with the frontal passage, but winds will shift and temperatures will begin to cool again by early Friday morning.
Residents are advised to secure any loose outdoor items such as trash cans, lawn decorations, and holiday inflatables, as gusty winds may cause them to blow around or become hazards on roadways. High-profile vehicles traveling along Interstate 64 and U.S. Route 460 may experience minor handling issues due to crosswinds.
Overall, travel conditions are expected to remain fair, with no major weather-related disruptions anticipated. Cooler temperatures will return behind the front on Friday, setting up a seasonably cold weekend.
Forecasters note that this brief warm-up marks a temporary break before another surge of colder air arrives early next week.
