Honestly, if you're living in Fredericksburg right now, you’ve probably noticed the air has that specific, sharp bite that only January in Virginia can deliver. We aren't talking about a "light sweater" situation anymore. It is full-blown parka season.
Right now, as we hit Friday, January 16, things are feeling pretty crisp. It's $22^{\circ}\text{F}$ outside as I write this, and with a bit of a breeze coming off the Rappahannock from the west, the "feels like" is sitting at a much less friendly $16^{\circ}\text{F}$. If you’re heading out for the start of Winter Restaurant Week today, you’re going to want to hustle from your car to the front door of whatever spot you've picked on William Street.
What the 10 day forecast for fredericksburg virginia actually looks like
Most of us just want to know if we need to salt the driveway or if we can actually get a round of golf in (okay, probably not the golf).
The next few days are basically a roller coaster of "maybe snow" and "definitely cold." Today, we’re looking at a high of $39^{\circ}\text{F}$. It’ll be partly sunny, but don't let that fool you—the clouds are moving in tonight, and there’s a small $20%$ chance we might see some flakes.
Tomorrow, Saturday, is where things get weird. The temperature is actually going to climb to a relatively balmy $47^{\circ}\text{F}$. You’d think that’s great news, but the humidity is spiking to $58%$, and we’ve got a mix of rain during the day ($35%$ chance) turning into light snow at night. It’s that classic Virginia "is it ice or is it water?" vibe that makes driving on I-95 such a nightmare.
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By Sunday, the reality check hits. High of $35^{\circ}\text{F}$, low of $23^{\circ}\text{F}$, and more light snow in the forecast. If you’re planning to hit the Fredericksburg Grizzlies game or just want to grab brunch, Sunday morning looks like the most "winter" day of the bunch.
The mid-week deep freeze
Once we get past the weekend, the sky clears out, but the temperature decides to take a dive. Monday and Tuesday (January 19-20) are going to be bright and sunny. Usually, that’s a win, but Tuesday’s high is only $28^{\circ}\text{F}$.
The overnight low on Tuesday is hitting $17^{\circ}\text{F}$. That is cold. Like, "make sure your outdoor faucets are covered" cold.
Here is the quick breakdown of the numbers for those of you planning your work week:
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- Wednesday (Jan 21): A bit of a bounce back. High of $44^{\circ}\text{F}$. It starts partly sunny, but we might get some light rain overnight.
- Thursday (Jan 22): Mostly cloudy with a high of $45^{\circ}\text{F}$. There’s a $25%$ chance of snow during the day, so keep an eye on the local school alerts just in case.
- Friday (Jan 23): Back to the sun. $40^{\circ}\text{F}$ high, $24^{\circ}\text{F}$ low. Perfect for a brisk walk through downtown if you can handle the wind.
Survival tips for a Fredericksburg January
Look, we all know the drill, but sometimes a reminder helps. Since we're looking at a $45%$ chance of rain and snow mix by next Sunday (the 25th), the "nickel-and-dime" precipitation pattern is real this year. It’s not one massive blizzard; it’s just a constant dusting that keeps things messy.
If you're headed to the Mulled Wine Festival or any of the Restaurant Week events, remember that the humidity is hovering between $30%$ and $60%$ most days. That damp cold gets into your bones way faster than a dry cold does.
Don't forget your pipes
With those lows hitting $17^{\circ}\text{F}$ and $18^{\circ}\text{F}$ early next week, this is the time to actually do the boring homeowner stuff. Open the cabinets under your sinks. Let the faucets drip. It feels like overkill until you're calling a plumber on a Tuesday morning.
Also, check your tire pressure. These $20$-degree swings from day to night will trigger that annoying dashboard light faster than you can find a gas station with a working air pump.
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The final verdict on the next 10 days
Basically, the 10 day forecast for fredericksburg virginia is telling us to stay flexible. We have a lot of "marginal" events—days where it could be a cold rain or it could be two inches of slush.
The most important thing to watch is that Saturday/Sunday window. The transition from $47^{\circ}\text{F}$ rain to $35^{\circ}\text{F}$ snow is the perfect recipe for black ice on the side streets. Stay safe out there, enjoy the Restaurant Week specials, and maybe keep an extra blanket in the trunk of your car.
Next steps for your week:
- Check your antifreeze levels before the $17^{\circ}\text{F}$ dip on Tuesday.
- Make your Restaurant Week reservations for Monday or Wednesday when the weather is most stable.
- Keep a de-icer spray in your mudroom for those Saturday night/Sunday morning frosts.