Weather
Virginia Weather Alert: Rain, Snow Possible Thanksgiving Week
Richmond, VA – Virginia residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel could encounter unsettled weather during November 22 28, with rain, mountain snow and potentially freezing rain amo
By Caleb Mercer · 2026-11-14T23:07:49.074Z
Richmond, VA – Virginia residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel could encounter unsettled weather during November 22 28, with rain, mountain snow and potentially freezing rain among the possibilities as the holiday period approaches.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's NOAA Climate Prediction Center, eight to 14 day outlooks issued Saturday, November 14, favor above normal precipitation across Virginia during the Thanksgiving holiday period.
The precipitation outlook places Virginia within a broader Mid Atlantic region showing approximately a 40% to 50% probability of above normal precipitation, suggesting an increased likelihood of wetter than average conditions.
Meanwhile, the temperature outlook favors above normal temperatures across portions of the state, indicating a generally milder pattern during the holiday travel period.
Could Virginia See Snow or Freezing Rain?
Despite the warmer outlook, snow remains possible, particularly across western Virginia, the Blue Ridge Mountains and higher elevations of the Appalachians, where colder temperatures can support wintry precipitation.
Communities including Roanoke, Blacksburg, Winchester and Harrisonburg could experience rain during milder periods, with snow or freezing rain possible if precipitation coincides with sufficiently cold air.
Richmond, Fredericksburg, Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads may experience more rain during warmer conditions, although the outlook does not establish specific precipitation types.
NOAA's extended outlook does not specifically forecast snowfall, ice accumulation or a winter storm.
Thanksgiving and Black Friday Travel Outlook
Thanksgiving falls Thursday, November 26, followed by Black Friday on November 27.
Drivers traveling Interstate 64, Interstate 66, Interstate 81 and Interstate 95 should monitor updated forecasts as holiday traffic increases.
Rain could create wet roads and reduced visibility, while snow or freezing rain could produce slippery conditions, particularly along mountain routes.
However, no specific winter weather event or hazardous travel period has been identified.
More detailed forecasts should clarify precipitation types, storm timing and potential travel impacts as Thanksgiving approaches.
For now, Virginia faces a potentially wetter holiday outlook, with possible winter weather worth monitoring.