Winter Weather Forecast For Virginia: See Daily Prediction

VIRGINIA/DC — With temperatures forecast to reach the mid-80s Friday in Northern Virginia and D.C., it doesn't feel like the official start of the 2021-22 winter is only two months away. But cooler weather is indeed on its way next week, with low temperatures expected to dip into the 40s.

As more autumn-like weather gradually moves in, some residents of Virginia may be getting eager for even colder weather to arrive to plan some exciting, wintry fun.

Specific, long-term weather predictions can help with planning outdoor activities best suited for the cooler temps. To help you plan ahead, the private weather company AccuWeather has released its 2021 winter weather forecast.

Daily forecasts for Virginia are listed through the end of December. After that, AccuWeather lists the historical average temperature for the rest of the winter.

The unseasonably mild temperatures in Virginia are expected to continue through the Thanksgiving holiday. Don't count on any early season snowfall in November, according to the AccuWeather forecast.

By Thanksgiving, the temperatures should drop low enough for perfect running weather across the region for the annual turkey trot races.

The first half of December shows high temperatures touching 60 degrees on many days.

Once the cold spells arrive in late December, residents may begin to notice higher heating costs. The price for natural gas as of late September was up 180 percent compared to 12 months ago, CNN reported. Natural gas prices are currently at their highest since early 2014.

For the 2021-22 winter season, AccuWeather is predicting 7 to 11 inches of snow in D.C., compared to the winter average of 15.6 inches. It's been a while since D.C. experienced a snowpocalypse. Last winter, D.C.'s total snowfall totaled only 5.4 inches.

Nationally, AccuWeather predicts an eventful winter similar to the 2020-21 season, which brought record-breaking snowfall and blackouts to some parts of the country.

Meteorologists also expect the return of La Niña, a weather phenomenon that occurs when the water near the equator of the Pacific Ocean is cooler than average. It will shape part of the overall weather patterns this winter, weather experts said.

The upcoming La Niña will be weaker than the one experienced last winter, in turn, opening up the door for other elements to factor into the winter forecast — especially during the second half of the season.

This year, the polar vortex may also be weaker, according to AccuWeather.

This could result in colder air from the Arctic to slide southward into the U.S. before the official start of meteorological winter, which is on Dec. 1. The first official astronomical day of winter arrives on Tuesday, Dec. 21.

Winter could pound the Northeast with a vengeance, north of the D.C. area, starting in mid-December before potentially intensifying in January, which could include a heightened risk for nor'easters and, yes, snowstorms at the tail end of the season.

Meanwhile, the winter weather will take its time arriving in the Southeast, with only mild temps in some place throughout December. Southerners, however, could be in store for a big dip in the temperature with the arrival of 2022, AccuWeather reports. Spells of rain and thunderstorms are expected so keep the rain gear handy.

In the Pacific Northwest, a wet winter is anticipated with plenty of snow in the mountains, AccuWeather reports. The early arrival of the winter storms will also spell an end to the active wildfire season for the region as rain and snow help to douse any flames.

In the Southwest, meteorologists predict that the lack of early-season precipitation will allow the ongoing wildfire season to extend all the way into December, an unusually late end to the season. As we move to January, the prospects for rain will increase for California - good news for areas of the state where wildfires have raged.

To see how the weather is shaping up for the remainder of the country, click here.

Are you ready for the upcoming winter season? Tell us your plans in the comments section below.