Weather

For most of Southwest and Southside Virginia, it will be a cold but substantial rain with no ice, but not far north of our region, a winter storm watch has been issued in northwest Virginia.

Developing atmospheric patterns in northern latitudes correlate with some of Virginia’s most memorable winter periods. But for Virginia to have its greatest chance of snow, another high-pressure system needs to form over western North America, and it’s not there yet.

As the Mississippi River reveals relics and Lake Mead gives up its dead, most of Southwest and Southside Virginia is in the 18% of the nation not considered abnormally dry.

The Old Dominion is thankfully spared the massive Buffalo-sized piles, but the Great Lakes do spray some snow into the commonwealth on occasion.

Snow totals can vary dramatically one winter to another in Southwest and Southside Virginia. Enter the first Cardinal Weather snowfall contest to see if you can guess this year’s totals.

Expect a soaking rain of 1 to 4 inches over much of Virginia on Friday before January-like temperatures set in by late weekend into next week.

Don’t get used to the November warmth, as chilly morning lows return by Wednesday and next week may be downright winterlike.

The colder phase of central Pacific waters may point to a milder winter in Virginia, but there are too many past exceptions and other atmospheric factors involved to be sure.

A look back to a landmark national weather disaster 10 years ago this week … and a look ahead to trick-or-treat weather on this Halloween.