Virginia Could See Its First Snowfall Before Thanksgiving as Cold Front Approaches

ROANOKE, VIRGINIA — Virginia could see its first snow of the season just before Thanksgiving, according to new forecasts from the NOAA Climate Prediction Center (CPC). The late-November cold front is expected to bring colder air, light snow, and scattered flurries to the state’s higher elevations and northern regions.

Forecasters say the state will remain warmer and mostly dry through early November, but a pattern shift around November 18–24 may allow the first wintry system of the season to reach areas such as Roanoke, Winchester, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

While Richmond and the coastal areas are likely to stay too warm for snow, meteorologists say the Shenandoah Valley and western slopes could see brief bursts of flurries or light snow during the mornings and overnight hours.

First Signs of Winter Set to Arrive in Virginia

The CPC’s October 24 outlook indicates that cold, dry Canadian air will push southward during the third week of November, dropping temperatures to near or below freezing in parts of western and northern Virginia.

Although snow totals are expected to remain light and patchy, even a quick dusting could create slippery road conditions, particularly in higher elevation travel corridors and mountain passes. “It’s not expected to be a major winter storm,” one meteorologist said, “but it could mark Virginia’s first true taste of winter — right on time for Thanksgiving week.”

The Blue Ridge Parkway and Interstate 81 corridor are likely to see the most noticeable change, with overnight lows dipping into the upper 20s and the potential for early morning frost or icy spots.

Travelers Advised to Watch Weather Before the Holidays

Thanksgiving week often marks one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and forecasters caution that even a light snowfall can cause slick roadways or minor flight delays in mountain regions.

Transportation officials in Virginia are urging residents to monitor local forecasts and plan ahead for early-morning travel, when freezing temperatures can create black ice on untreated surfaces.

While this system won’t bring major snow accumulation, it signals that winter’s transition has begun — a shift from the mild autumn temperatures that have dominated much of October.

A Typical Start to the Season, Experts Say

Historically, Virginia’s first measurable snow often occurs in late November or early December, particularly across the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. This year’s forecast aligns closely with seasonal norms, though forecasters note that fluctuating El Niño and La Niña patterns could affect how active the winter becomes.

For now, residents across the state can expect a mild start to November, followed by a sharp cooldown leading into the Thanksgiving holiday. The CPC continues to track long-range models for any sign of a stronger winter system heading into December.

Will Virginia see a white Thanksgiving this year? Stay tuned for more weather updates and regional forecasts at NapervilleLocal.com.