Richmond, VA – Virginia is heading into another cold stretch next week, but those hoping for early-season snowfall will likely have to wait longer. Forecast data from the NOAA Climate Prediction Center suggests the state will stay stuck in an Arctic-influenced pattern from December 9 to December 15, bringing chilly days, freezing nights, and mostly dry skies.
The latest 8–14 Day Outlook, issued December 1, highlights a continued trend toward below-normal temperatures across the Mid-Atlantic. Despite the cold, the probability of meaningful precipitation — including snow — remains low. This shift marks a noticeable change from the first week of December, when colder air arrived with more atmospheric moisture.
Overview of the Upcoming Weather Pattern
Virginia’s weather setup will continue to be shaped by lingering Arctic air filtering southward into the Mid-Atlantic. Meteorologists say this air mass is stable and dry, which limits storm development but keeps temperatures suppressed. Most regions should expect daytime highs in the upper 30s to mid-40s, with overnight lows falling below freezing, especially outside urban centers.
Western Virginia, including sheltered higher-elevation valleys, will experience the coldest temperatures. Cities such as Richmond, Roanoke, and Norfolk will see repeated frosty mornings, light winds, and occasional thin cloud cover.
NOAA Outlook Highlights
The NOAA Climate Prediction Center’s medium-range forecast continues to emphasize a pattern dominated by cold, calm weather rather than wintry precipitation.
According to the outlook, Virginia’s climate setup from December 9 to December 15 will favor:
- Below-average temperatures statewide
- Lower-than-normal precipitation probability
- Limited snow potential due to dry Arctic air
This muted moisture pattern is connected to broader atmospheric trends influencing much of the eastern United States.
A link to NOAA’s official guidance was included in the original briefing, which notes that while the East experiences cold, regions such as the West Coast, Southwest, and Texas will run warmer and drier than usual.
How This Cold Stretch Compares to Early December
The start of December brought colder air accompanied by more cloud cover and a greater chance of flurries or light mixed precipitation in some areas. Next week’s pattern stands in contrast, as meteorologists expect far fewer disturbances moving across Virginia.
This means the state will likely experience more sunshine, clearer skies, and calm conditions, even as temperatures remain locked in a winterlike range.
What Residents Across Virginia Can Expect
Central and Eastern Virginia
Cities including Richmond, Norfolk, and Williamsburg should prepare for:
- Repeated freezing mornings
- Afternoon temperatures staying in the 30s and 40s
- Occasional breezes but generally quiet weather
Western and Mountain Regions
Colder pockets will dominate overnight, with frost and sub-freezing lows common in areas such as:
- Roanoke
- Blacksburg
- Shenandoah Valley communities
Clear nights may allow temperatures to drop more sharply, especially in valleys sheltered from wind.
Could This Pattern Last Into Mid-December?
Meteorologists note that the cold may persist beyond the December 15 window, with only a modest warm-up possible closer to the holiday period. Long-range models continue to show a colder bias for the eastern U.S., though confidence decreases later in the month.
Snow enthusiasts may still find opportunities later in December, but next week does not appear favorable for wintry weather.
Why the East Is Cold While the West Warms
This contrast is part of a broader weather pattern across North America. While the eastern half of the country is under the influence of Arctic-sourced air, the West Coast, Southwest, and Texas are set to experience above-average warmth and dry conditions.
Such coast-to-coast differences are typical when the jet stream dips sharply over the East and rises over the West.
Staying Prepared During Cold, Dry Spells
Even without snow or storms, extended cold periods can create challenges. Experts recommend:
- Checking home heating systems and filters
- Protecting outdoor pipes in vulnerable locations
- Monitoring pets and livestock during freezing mornings
- Watching for icy spots on bridges and shaded roads
Cold, clear mornings often lead to thin patches of frost, especially in rural areas.
Conclusion
Virginia will spend the week of December 9–15 in a chilly but mostly quiet weather pattern. With frigid mornings, brisk afternoons, and minimal snowfall chances, the state’s early-winter season remains dominated by Arctic air rather than storms. Forecasters suggest this setup may linger into mid-December before conditions gradually moderate near the holidays.
Share your experiences with the upcoming cold stretch in the comments below.
