You’ve seen the forecast. Maybe you’ve already started dreading the "S" word. But honestly, if you're looking at the weather for richmond virginia this weekend, the reality on the ground is a bit more complicated than just a snowflake emoji on your phone screen.
It’s currently Sunday morning, January 18, 2026. If you look out your window right now, it’s probably looking pretty gray and moody. We’ve got a thick blanket of clouds overhead and a temperature sitting right at 39°F. It’s that damp, heavy kind of cold that feels like it’s trying to seep into your bones, thanks to a high humidity of 85%.
The air is still—just a light 2 mph breeze coming from the south—but don't let that quiet vibe fool you. Things are about to get weird.
The Sunday Slush-Fest
Basically, Richmond is stuck in that classic mid-Atlantic "will it or won't it" weather trap. According to the latest data from the National Weather Service and local observation at the airport, we’re looking at a transition from rain to snow today.
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Here’s the deal:
- High Temperature: We're peaking at 38°F.
- The Precip: There is a 58% chance of a rain-snow mix during the day.
- The Wind: It’s going to shift, coming from the northwest at about 8 mph.
Most people hear "snow" and immediately think of a winter wonderland. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this isn't that. With a high of 38°F, any snow that actually makes it to the ground is going to be fighting a losing battle against the pavement. Expect slush. Expect wet feet. Expect that annoying messy mix that makes driving down Broad Street or the Downtown Expressway a total headache without actually giving you enough powder to build a decent snowman.
Why Tonight is the Real Problem
While everyone is obsessing over the daytime flakes, the real story for the weather for richmond virginia this weekend happens once the sun goes down.
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The clouds are expected to clear out tonight, but the temperature is going to crater. We're looking at a low of 22°F. That is a massive 16-degree drop from the daytime high.
Why does this matter?
Any of that slush, rain, or "wintry mix" that's sitting on the roads at 5:00 PM is going to turn into a sheet of ice by 9:00 PM. The chance of precipitation drops to 20% tonight, which is good, but the damage will already be done. If you’ve lived in RVA long enough, you know that our bridges and overpasses turn into skating rinks the second the mercury dips below freezing.
What’s Actually Happening Out There?
Despite the messy forecast, the city isn't exactly shutting down. If you're heading toward the Greater Richmond Convention Center, the "Volley by the James" tournament is in full swing for the MLK holiday weekend. Thousands of athletes are tucked away inside, completely oblivious to the rain-to-snow transition happening outside.
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Over at the Richmond Raceway, the Greenberg Train & Toy Show is probably the best place to be right now—dry, warm, and surrounded by model trains. It’s definitely a "stay inside" kind of day.
Looking Ahead to MLK Day
If you can just get through the ice tonight, Monday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) actually looks decent. The sun comes back out, and we’ll hit a high of 42°F. It’ll be breezy, with west winds gusting up to 22 mph, but at least the "frozen mix" drama will be behind us.
Just keep an eye on Tuesday. The "Arctic chill" that meteorologists have been whispering about is real. We’re looking at a high of only 34°F and a low of 17°F Tuesday night. Winter is finally deciding to act like winter.
Actionable Next Steps for Richmonders:
- Salt your walkways now. Don't wait until 8:00 PM when the wet slush turns into a solid block of ice.
- Check the 64/95 interchange. If you have to travel tonight, give yourself triple the normal time. The transition from rain to ice is the most dangerous time for Richmond drivers.
- Drip your pipes. With temperatures hitting 22°F tonight and 17°F later this week, those older fan district homes are at risk for frozen pipes.
- Layer up for the wind. Monday's 42°F sounds okay, but a 22 mph wind will make it feel like the 20s.
Keep your boots by the door and your ice scraper in the car. It’s going to be a messy ride into Monday morning.