The possibility of measurable snow in Virginia during April

VIRGINIA — While April is typically associated with spring blooms and warming temperatures, measurable snowfall in Virginia during this month is not without precedent.

According to historical records from the National Weather Service (NWS), measurable snowfall—defined as 0.1 inches or more—has been recorded in parts of Virginia during April, particularly in higher elevations and western regions of the state.

For example, on April 7, 2007, a late-season cold snap brought snow to much of western Virginia, with some areas in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley receiving up to 4 inches.

Another notable event occurred on April 12, 1983, when a weather system dropped several inches of snow across the Appalachian highlands of southwestern Virginia.

Even central and northern parts of the state have occasionally seen April snow.

Richmond recorded 0.3 inches of snow on April 6, 1982, and Washington Dulles International Airport, located in Northern Virginia, saw 0.5 inches on April 7, 2007.

Higher elevations, such as those found in the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains, are more prone to late-season snow due to colder temperatures that can linger well into spring.

In these areas, it is not unusual to see brief periods of accumulating snow in early April, though it typically melts quickly.

While not a regular occurrence, measurable snowfall in April is part of Virginia’s varied climatological history, especially in mountainous regions.