Virginia Beach, Virginia – Virginia begins the holiday week under calm skies, with mild temperatures and a light coastal breeze offering a quiet start to Christmas travel. That calm, however, is short-lived, as forecasters warn a wetter and windier pattern will move into eastern Virginia late Thursday and Friday, potentially affecting post-Christmas plans in and around Virginia Beach.
Calm Conditions Set the Stage Early This Week
Through Christmas Day, much of eastern Virginia enjoys relatively pleasant weather. Sunshine dominates early, with temperatures climbing into the mid-50s near the coast, keeping roads dry and visibility strong for holiday travelers. Morning dampness lingers from coastal humidity, but widespread travel disruptions are not expected during the early part of the week.
Local roadways, including I-64, Route 58, and major city connectors, remain clear through Christmas morning, allowing visitors and residents to move around the region without weather-related delays.
Weather Pattern Shifts Late Thursday
Attention turns to late Thursday as meteorologists monitor a developing system sliding along the Southeast coastline. Moisture levels begin to rise across the Tidewater region, increasing cloud cover and setting the stage for rainfall.
Christmas Day itself stays mostly dry, though clouds thicken through the afternoon. A few light showers could develop toward evening, particularly closer to the Atlantic shoreline. While rainfall amounts remain limited, slick roads after sunset may slow holiday traffic.
Friday Brings Higher Rain Chances and Wind
By Friday, rain becomes more widespread across coastal Virginia. Forecast models indicate a 40 to 70 percent chance of rain, with periods of steady showers possible throughout the day. Winds also pick up slightly, especially near the oceanfront, creating a cooler, raw feel despite temperatures remaining well above freezing.
While snow and ice impact other parts of the country, Virginia avoids winter weather hazards. Still, wet pavement combined with increased holiday traffic presents its own risks. Drivers should plan for slower speeds, longer braking distances, and possible congestion near tunnels, bridges, and coastal routes.
Friday Night the Wettest Period
Friday night appears to be the most unsettled stretch of the forecast. Rain likely continues into early Saturday, occasionally reducing visibility during heavier bursts. Coastal bridges and low-lying roadways may be especially affected, though no major flooding concerns are currently expected.
Travelers heading out late Friday or overnight should allow extra time and remain alert for changing road conditions.
Gradual Improvement by Saturday Afternoon
Conditions begin to improve Saturday as the system pulls away. Clouds break at times, temperatures rebound into the low 50s, and roads gradually dry out. By Saturday afternoon, post-Christmas travel becomes easier across the region, with fewer weather-related concerns.
Broader Weather Context for the Southeast
This setup reflects a broader Southeast pattern, with a lingering frontal boundary funneling moisture northward while colder air remains well inland. For coastal Virginia, this means rain rather than winter precipitation, and no immediate freeze concerns are on the horizon.
Five-Day Outlook for Virginia Beach
- Today: Sunny and mild, high near 54°F
- Christmas Day: Mostly cloudy, slight rain chance, high near 56°F
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, cooler, high near 46°F
- Friday: Rain likely, breezy, high near 46°F
- Saturday: Partly sunny, improving conditions, high near 51°F
What Travelers Should Keep in Mind
Drivers planning holiday trips later this week should monitor updates, slow down on wet roads, and be cautious near coastal infrastructure. While the forecast avoids winter extremes, rain and wind can still complicate travel during one of the busiest weeks of the year.
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