Honestly, looking at the weather for virginia beach va 10 day forecast right now is like watching a coastal identity crisis. One minute you're thinking about a light jacket for a boardwalk stroll, and the next, you're wondering if the local hardware store still has salt for the driveway. It’s that weird part of January where the Atlantic Ocean tries to play nice, but the Arctic air from the north has other plans. If you're planning a trip or just trying to figure out if you can finally wash your car without it freezing shut, here is the real deal on what the next week and a half looks like.
We're currently sitting in a bit of a transition. Today, Saturday, January 17, is actually pretty decent for this time of year with a high of 63°F. That’s basically a heatwave for January. But don't let the clouds fool you; that southwest wind at 15 mph is bringing in a lot of moisture. By tonight, things get messy. We’re looking at a 45% chance of light rain as the temperature drops toward a low of 36°F. It’s the kind of damp cold that gets into your bones, the kind only locals truly understand.
The Sunday Slap: Rain, Snow, and the 10-Day Shift
Tomorrow is when the drama really starts. Sunday, January 18, is going to be one of those days where the "wintry mix" isn't just a buzzword—it's a reality. We're talking about a high of only 45°F and a 75% chance of precipitation that starts as rain and likely switches to snow.
The wind is going to whip around to the northwest at 18 mph, making it feel significantly colder than the thermometer says. By Sunday night, the mercury hits 26°F. If you have plants outside that aren't fans of the frost, tonight is the night to move them. This isn't a massive blizzard situation, but for a beach town, it’s enough to make the Monday morning commute "interesting."
People often assume Virginia Beach is "southern" enough to skip the winter, but that’s a total myth. January is historically our coldest month. While our average highs hover around 47°F, this particular 10-day stretch is dipping well below that for several days. We are seeing a pattern of "Arctic Chills" that the local meteorologists at WAVY and 13News Now have been tracking closely.
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Mid-Week Survival: Sun Without the Heat
Once we clear the Sunday snow concerns, things settle into a "sunny but stingy" pattern.
Monday and Tuesday (January 19-20) are going to be gorgeous to look at through a window. Full sun. Not a cloud in sight. But Tuesday's high is a brutal 36°F with a low of 25°F. That is properly cold. If you’re heading to the Oceanfront for a walk, you’ll need the full kit: heavy coat, gloves, and maybe a scarf to break that 11 mph northwest wind.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: Mostly cloudy, high of 48°F. A slight chance of snow in the morning shifting to rain at night.
- Thursday, Jan 22: High stays at 48°F. Mostly cloudy but mostly dry.
- Friday, Jan 23: A bit of sun peeks through, high of 45°F, with a low of 32°F.
The humidity is also jumping all over the place. We go from a dry 35% today to a soggy 86% on Sunday. That high humidity combined with low temperatures is why it feels "sharper" here than it does in a dry climate like Colorado.
Is the Ocean Actually "Warm"?
I get asked this a lot. The short answer: No.
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The water temperature at the 1st Street Jetty is sitting around 46°F to 47°F right now. If you see surfers out there, they aren't just brave; they’re wearing 5/4mm hooded wetsuits with 7mm boots. The Atlantic is a giant heat sink, but by mid-January, it has lost most of its summer leftovers. Interestingly, the ocean keeps our air temperatures a few degrees higher than they are in Chesapeake or Norfolk, but it also creates that "onshore flow" that can turn a sunny day into a fog bank in minutes.
Looking Toward Next Weekend
As we push into the tail end of the weather for virginia beach va 10 day outlook, the volatility returns. Saturday, January 24, brings another round of rain with a high of 51°F. But look at the wind for Sunday, January 25—it kicks up to 21 mph from the north.
Then comes Monday, January 26. We’re currently eyeing a 75% chance of snow showers during the day and night. With a high of 49°F earlier in the day dropping to 26°F, it’s going to be a battle between the ground temperature and the falling flakes. Usually, the ground is too warm for snow to stick for long, but with several nights of mid-20s leading up to it, this could be the one that actually lingers on the grass.
What You Should Actually Do
Stop trusting the "icon" on your phone app and look at the hourly wind speeds. In Virginia Beach, the wind is the real weather. A 45-degree day with a 5 mph wind is a light jacket day. That same temperature with a 20 mph wind off the water is a "stay inside and make soup" day.
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If you're a visitor, stick to indoor attractions like the Virginia Aquarium or the MOCA for the beginning of next week. If you're a local, check your tire pressure. These 30-degree temperature swings (from 63 today to 25 on Tuesday) are notorious for triggering those annoying low-pressure sensors.
Basically, keep the heavy coat by the door, don't put away the ice scraper just yet, and maybe grab an extra bag of coffee. It’s going to be a long, chilly week at the coast.
Check your outdoor pipes today before the Tuesday freeze hits. Make sure your car's antifreeze levels are topped off, especially with the 25°F lows coming in three days. If you're planning any travel along I-264 on Sunday evening, keep an eye on the rain-to-snow transition times, as visibility at the coast can drop fast when the wind picks up.