Honestly, if you're looking at the weather for Surry VA today, it feels like a classic Virginia winter tease. Right now, it’s a crisp 37°F, but it "feels like" 30°F because of a 8 mph breeze coming out of the southwest. It’s sunny, the sky is wide open, and the humidity is sitting at a dry 31%. Basically, it’s that kind of day where the sun looks warm through a window, but the air bites the second you step onto the porch.
Most people think southern Virginia stays mild all year, but Surry has a way of keeping you on your toes. We're tucked right by the James River, and that water influence is huge. Today, Friday, January 16, we’re aiming for a high of 40°F and a low of 24°F. It’s stable, sure, but look at the shift coming up tomorrow. Saturday is hitting 53°F, which sounds great until you see the 35% chance of rain and snow moving in at night.
The James River Effect and Local Reality
Living here or visiting means understanding that the river isn't just for the ferry; it’s a massive thermostat. In the summer, the "Goldilocks Climate" everyone talks about gets a bit... sticky. July highs average around 89°F, and the humidity can make it feel like you’re walking through a warm sponge. But right now? We’re in the heart of the "cold season," which usually runs from early December to March.
People often get Surry confused with the Piedmont or the mountains. We are firmly in the Tidewater region. That means we’re usually about 5 degrees warmer than Central Virginia because the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic act like a giant heating pad. But "warmer" is relative when you're staring down a 22°F night like we have coming up next Monday and Tuesday.
What the Forecast Actually Means for You
If you’re planning your week, don't let the sunny icons for next Monday through Wednesday fool you. While it'll be clear, Tuesday’s high is only 30°F. That’s a "stay inside with a heavy quilt" kind of day.
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- Precipitation: We don't get a ton of snow compared to the Blue Ridge, but when we do, it’s usually a mess. Sunday has a 45% chance of rain and snow with a high of 41°F. It’ll likely be that slushy, wet stuff that makes the backroads around Bacon's Castle a bit slick.
- Wind: Most of this week, the wind is coming from the southwest or west at 8 to 15 mph. It’s not a gale, but it’s enough to keep the wind chill factor relevant.
- Agriculture Impact: Surry is peanut and corn country. While the fields look quiet now, the local farmers are watching these freeze cycles closely. A deep freeze without snow cover can be tough on the soil prep for the spring.
Why "Average" Weather is a Lie
You'll see reports saying Surry gets 50 inches of rain a year. That sounds like a lot, and it is. But it doesn't fall in a steady drizzle. We get these massive dumps—often in August—where we might see 6 inches in a single month. On the flip side, January is technically one of our "cloudiest" months, with about 51% cloud cover on average. Today's bright sun is actually a bit of a treat for mid-January.
Historically, this area has seen some wild stuff. Did you know a wind gust of 65 mph was once clocked here in January back in 2006? Or that in 1667, a hurricane reportedly blew down 10,000 houses in the broader region? We aren't just dealing with daily highs and lows; we're dealing with a landscape shaped by water and wind.
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Seasonal Shifts: When to Actually Be Here
If you're asking me when the weather for Surry VA is actually at its best, I’m telling you to wait for April through June. Or, better yet, October.
October is statistically our clearest month. The humidity drops, the "feels like" temperature is actually comfortable, and the James River isn't quite the humidity-factory it becomes in August. Spring is great, but it’s unpredictable. One day you’re in a t-shirt at the Surry Seafood Company, and the next, you’re digging a jacket out of the trunk because a cold front rolled off the water.
Staying Prepared This Week
If you’re out and about in Surry over the next few days, keep a few things in mind. The UV index is low (2 or 3), so you won't burn, but the air is dry. Keep that moisturizer handy.
By next Thursday, we’re looking at light rain and a high of 46°F. It’s a classic transition day. If you’re taking the ferry over to Jamestown, remember the wind on the river is always about 5-10 mph faster than it is in town. Dress for ten degrees colder than the phone says if you're standing on the deck.
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Actionable Insights for the Week:
- Drain your hoses: With lows hitting 22°F early next week, any water left in outdoor pipes is going to freeze.
- Saturday Night Travel: If you’re heading out Saturday, watch for that rain/snow mix after dark. The temperature drops to 37°F, which is right on the edge for road icing.
- River Activities: It’s too cold for the water, but if you’re hiking near the banks, stay on marked trails. Winter erosion near the James can make the ground softer than it looks.