Clouds are expected over Richmond Friday morning, with temperatures in the low 50s, before skies turn mostly sunny. The high should reach about 56 degrees, with northwest winds of 8 to 13 mph and gusts up to 21 mph.
Warning covers late Friday night into Saturday morning
The National Weather Service’s Freeze Warning is in effect from late Friday night through Saturday morning. Temperatures could drop to 29 degrees between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m., with widespread frost expected after midnight. Sensitive plants and unprotected outdoor plumbing are at risk. Residents should protect tender vegetation Friday evening and bring in or cover other items vulnerable to the cold. Early risers may encounter wind chills in the 20s; Saturday afternoon is expected to be mostly sunny.
Light-frost tolerance is not a freeze guarantee
Kale, turnip, mustard, broccoli and cabbage can withstand light frosts, according to Virginia Cooperative Extension. That guidance is for light frost; it does not establish that those crops will be safe in the colder conditions forecast this weekend.
Richmond’s first-freeze dates vary
Historical averages provide context, not a prediction for this particular warning. The Science Museum of Virginia says that in 1991–2020, Richmond’s first freeze came closer to November 5, about a week later than the long-term average of October 30. In that recent period, a first freeze before November 1 occurred in less than 20% of years, compared with about 50% in the long-term average. The museum’s Richmond International Airport record also spans a wide range: its earliest first freeze was October 3, 1974, and its latest was December 2, 1985. These historical figures describe the record; they do not determine when this season’s first freeze will occur.
Cool conditions continue into next week
Saturday’s high should reach about 54 degrees, with northwest wind gusts as high as 21 mph. Sunday is forecast to be sunny, with a high near 57 after another chance of morning frost; the overnight low is expected near 32. Dry, sunny weather is forecast Monday and Tuesday, with highs in the mid-to-upper 50s and lows near freezing. A modest warmup is expected Wednesday and Thursday, with highs around 61 and 63 degrees, respectively, while nighttime lows remain close to 30.
