Despite the positively balmy October temperatures of the past week, winter is headed our way. NOAA just released the major weather trends expeced to impact us, thanks to the National Weather Service forecast office in Wakefield, VA.
While exact weather conditions like snowfall typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, accurate seasonal outlooks can help communities prepare for what winter will bring. Here’s what’s coming for Central Virginia:
🌡 Temperature
Expect above normal temperatures on average this winter. In VA, the temperature outlook says there’s a 30-40% chance that Richmond’s temps will be higher than normal.
🌧 Precipitation
La Niña, the Pacific Ocean phenomenon which indicates colder sea surface temperatures, will prevail this winter. For the east coast, that typically means one thing — a wet winter. This pattern also tracks with another warmer-than-average November.
We might get snow — but there’s still a question as to how much. Predictions show an equal chance at below, near, or above-average precipitation. Normally, Richmond gets about 8.8 inches of snow a season + tends to see its first heavy flakes late December into January.
Fun fact: The snowiest year on record in Richmond was 1961-1962, when the River City got 38.9” of snow.
🧤 Preparedness
Since weather events can surprise us, Richmonders should be ready for whatever this winter has in store. The Virginia Dept. of Emergency Management recently shared a guide for what to include in an emergency supply kit in honor of Winter Weather Preparedness Week starting Mon., Nov. 28. Pro tip: Prepare a kit for your home, vehicle, and work.
You can also check out the materials from Winter Weather Preparedness Week 2022 to see how to accurately measure snow, explanations of weather terminology, and the chances that we’ll have a white Christmas. ❄️