VIRGINIA — Although March marks the beginning of meteorological spring, historical weather records show that measurable snowfall is still possible across Virginia during the month.
Virginia’s climate varies significantly from the Appalachian Mountains in the west to the coastal plain in the east, according to the National Weather Service.
While snowfall is more common in the higher elevations and western portions of the state, measurable snow has been recorded across nearly all regions of Virginia during late winter and early spring.
Climatological data shows that many areas of Virginia average at least some snowfall in March. Locations in the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains typically see higher totals because colder temperatures tend to persist longer at higher elevations. However, cities in central and eastern Virginia have also recorded measurable snow during the month in some years.
Late season snowfall in Virginia often occurs when a strong low pressure system moves along the Gulf Coast or up the Atlantic seaboard. These systems can pull moisture northward while colder air remains in place across the Mid Atlantic region. When temperatures throughout the atmosphere remain at or below freezing, precipitation can fall as snow instead of rain.
Historical storms demonstrate that accumulating snow has occurred in Virginia during March under the right atmospheric conditions. While totals vary widely depending on the storm track and temperature profile, measurable snowfall has been documented in past March weather events across the state.
Although warmer temperatures become more common as spring approaches, past weather patterns show that Virginia’s climate still allows for measurable snowfall in March when cold air and moisture combine during a passing storm system.
