Virginia Forecast Dec. 9–15: Arctic Cold Holds Across the State While Snow Stays Out of the Picture

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA — The Arctic air mass that ushered in December’s first chill will stay firmly in place next week, keeping Virginia cold from the Piedmont to the Shenandoah Valley — but without the snow that sometimes accompanies early-winter cold spells. According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center’s 8–14 Day Outlook issued December 1, temperatures from December 9 through December 15 are expected to run below normal statewide, while precipitation chances drop off significantly.

Cold, Quiet Weather Dominates the Commonwealth

Forecasters say much of Virginia will settle into a stretch of clear, dry, and cold days, marked by:

• Daytime highs in the upper 30s to 40s
• Nighttime lows dropping below freezing
• Coldest conditions in valleys and higher terrain of western Virginia

Cities including Richmond, Roanoke, and Norfolk will see mornings start with frost, followed by crisp, seasonably cold afternoons. Unlike the more active weather that started December, this upcoming pattern features very little moisture, meaning snow lovers may have to wait longer for the season’s first meaningful accumulation.

Arctic Pattern Without the Precipitation

NOAA forecasters say the storm track will shift away from the Mid-Atlantic, leaving Virginia under a cold but quiet weather regime. Light breezes will occasionally move through, but no significant systems are expected during the Dec. 9–15 period.

Western Virginia will feel the cold most intensely, where sheltered valleys could see temperatures dip into the low 20s overnight. Still, the dry atmosphere should keep roads clear and travel conditions favorable statewide.

National Pattern Split Shows Warm West, Cold East

The broader U.S. weather setup shows a major coast-to-coast divide:

• West Coast, Southwest, and Texas: Above-average warmth with dry conditions
• East Coast and Mid-Atlantic (including Virginia): Below-normal temperatures driven by lingering Arctic air

This pattern is expected to hold through mid-December, keeping the eastern half of the country chilly while major warmth builds across the southern and western states.

Cold Stretch Likely to Continue Into Mid-December

While a slight moderation is possible closer to the holidays, meteorologists say Virginia’s cold pattern is likely to persist into mid-December. For now, residents should expect frosty mornings, bright afternoons, and very limited precipitation, creating a classic early-winter feel without the added complications of snow or ice.

For more regional forecasts, weather outlooks, and winter updates, stay tuned to ChicagoMusicGuide.com.