Winter officially runs from the Winter Solstice on or around December 21st, through the Spring Equinox on or around March 21st. Meteorologists consider winter the months of December, January, and February. Me personally? I consider it winter the first time I have to pull out my coat.
Winter in Richmond
According to NOAA.gov, winter temps in Richmond average highs of 48 to 53 degrees in December, with lows of 30 to 34 degrees, highs of 45 to 50 degrees in January, with lows of 39 to 34 degrees, and highs of 48 to 55 degrees in February, with lows of 30 to 25 degrees. However, In December of 2019, we had a high of 78 degrees and on December 30th of 2017, we had a low of -2 degrees. On January 21st of 1981, we had a high of 81 degrees and in January of 1985, we had a low of -10 degrees! In February of 1985, we hit 80 degrees and in February of 1986, we also hit -10 degrees.
Yes, It Could Be Worse!
On the other hand, it could be worse. In Barrow, Alaska they go from November 21st to January 23rd/24th without any sun at all! And the average winter highs in December, January, and February are -2, -7, and -8 degrees!
The coldest temperature ever recorded in the U.S. was -80 degrees in Prospect Creek, Alaska. The lowest temperature ever recorded in the lower 48 states was -70 degrees in Roger’s Pass, Montana. The lowest temperature ever recorded in Virginia was -30 degrees at Mountain Lake in the Allegheny Mountains.
Snow Totals in Virginia
As for snow, the most snow from a single snowstorm ever in Virginia was in 2016 in Loudoun County with a total of 36.6 inches! The most snow ever from a single snowfall in Richmond was 21.6 inches in 1940. On the other hand, it could be worse. The snowiest city in the world is Mawsynram, India. They receive an average of 467.4 inches a year!
Happy Winter!