Weather and climate in Virginia: Four distinct seasons. Humid subtropical climate. Mild winters. Hot, humid summers. Average annual rainfall: 43 inches. Occasional snow in winter. Risk of hurricanes. Frequent thunderstorms in summer. Fall foliage is vibrant. Temperature varies by region.
Four distinct seasons
Virginia experiences four distinct seasons, characterized by hot and humid summers, moderately cold winters, and mild spring and autumn seasons, with significant regional variations influenced by its diverse geography, including the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic coastal region. The state's climate is classified as humid subtropical, with the coastal areas like Hampton Roads having a longer growing season due to the moderating effect of large water bodies. For more detailed information, you can explore the climate variations further at Virginia Places.
Humid subtropical climate
Virginia's climate is predominantly humid subtropical, especially east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the southern part of the Shenandoah Valley, and the Roanoke Valley, characterized by very warm summers and moderately cold winters, with significant regional variations due to the state's diverse geography. For more detailed information, you can explore the Climate of Virginia to understand how geography influences these climatic patterns.
Mild winters
Winters in Virginia are mild, with temperatures typically ranging from the 40s to the 60s Fahrenheit in December and January, and snowfall is more significant in mountainous areas than on the coast. For a detailed overview of these weather patterns and more, you can visit the Climate of Virginia page on Wikipedia, which provides comprehensive insights into the regional variations and seasonal characteristics of this state's climate.
Hot, humid summers
Virginia experiences hot, humid summers, particularly influenced by the Bermuda High, which draws moisture from the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. This leads to warm and moist conditions with frequent thunderstorms. Summer average temperatures have exceeded previous highs, with July temperatures averaging around 75°F statewide. For more detailed climate information, you can visit the Virginia State Climate Summary on the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies website.
Average annual rainfall: 43 inches
Virginia receives an average of 44 inches of rainfall per year, which is slightly above the national average of 43 inches, indicating that the state is wetter than most in the United States. This average varies across different regions, with the coastal areas generally receiving more precipitation than the central and mountainous regions. For more detailed information about this state's climate, you can visit the BestPlaces website.
Occasional snow in winter
Virginia experiences occasional significant snowfall in winter, particularly when low pressure systems intensify off the Virginia coast, bringing moisture and subfreezing air that can result in heavy snowfall, especially in the Appalachian Mountains and areas north and west of the Baltimore-Washington region. However, recent years have seen a decline in average annual snowfall, with areas like Roanoke and Lynchburg receiving about half the snow they used to in the 1970s and 1980s. For more detailed insights on regional winter patterns, visit the National Weather Service.
Risk of hurricanes
Virginia is at heightened risk for hurricanes in the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, with forecasts from NOAA and Colorado State University predicting an above-average number of storms. This includes several potentially reaching major status with winds over 115 mph, particularly affecting coastal areas like Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore. Experts warn that the Atlantic Hurricane Season poses significant threats to these vulnerable regions, urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for possible severe weather impacts.
Frequent thunderstorms in summer
In Virginia, frequent thunderstorms are most prevalent during the summer months, typically associated with numerous thunderstorms that occur within the state each summer. The highest activity is observed east of the Blue Ridge, in the Southern Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions. For more detailed information, you can explore Virginia Place's Climate Lightning page, which provides insights on the climatic conditions affecting thunderstorm occurrences in these areas.
Fall foliage is vibrant
Despite a prolonged period of dry weather, the fall colors in Virginia are vibrant, particularly in the western regions like Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Central Virginia is expected to peak over the next two weeks, and southeastern and eastern Virginia will follow in a couple of weeks. For more information, visit the article on the Fall Colors in Virginia.
Temperature varies by region
In Virginia, temperature varies significantly by region due to the state's diverse geographic features. The eastern coastal regions, such as the Tidewater area, are generally warmer, with January temperatures around 35-48°F and July temperatures around 71-85°F, while the western mountain regions are cooler, with January temperatures ranging from 24-45°F and July temperatures from 60-87°F. To explore more about Virginia's climate, check out the detailed analysis available on the State Summaries website.