Recap Of Autumn 2008

This autumn has been interesting to say the least. It started off with a bang when we saw over 2" of rain from Sept 25-26. Things quickly became stagnant in October, where we saw below average rainfall and temperatures that were just a hair above normal.

Significant changes arrived by November, especially late in the month. This quick change in weather pattern snapped our dry spell - rain totals ended up above average. Although the end of the month was extremely chilly, the average temp for the whole month was only barely below normal.

We then saw a complete change in the weather pattern heading into December. This month has been exceptionally wet and mild.

It's important to look back on the weather pattern during the fall because this can carry over into winter. More than likely we will see an abrupt change in the pattern next month, which means temps will drop back below normal for an extended period of time...just like in late November. During this transition, we could finally see our first real snowfall of the season!

Rainy Sunday morning, but clearing in afternoon

A strong low pressure storm system is moving through the Northeast Sunday morning, bringing rain to much of Virginia. Early Sunday morning, a winter mix of precipitation was occurring in the mountains out west, and also in north-central Virginia from Fredericksburg to D.C. For this reason, there is a Winter Weather Advisory in effect until 10 a.m. for those counties out west and far north-central. This storm system will quickly move northeast Sunday afternoon, ending central Virginia's rain chances by early afternoon. On the backside of this low, much colder air will settle in over the region, with low temperatures falling into the 20's Monday morning in central Virginia, and into the teens by Tuesday morning. Another round of rain is expected by Christmas Eve and lasting into Christmas Day. At this time, it looks like this system will bring rain to central Virginia instead of a White Christmas.

-Carrie