Can you tell me about the winters? (Richmond, Staunton: houses, buying)

[Alicia64]

What I'm noticing here in No. Cal, is that when I tell people that I'm moving to Richmond, they automatically tell me how cold it is. (I'm beginning to think that they're confusing VA with West Virginia??)

My research says that your winters aren't that different from our winters. Now, it doesn't snow in Sacramento, except once every 25 yrs. and then it's just a light dusting.

What should I be buying my two boys so that they will be comfortable when we arrive in January.

Keep in mind, that even though it's cold, one of my boys lives in shorts.
I make him wear long sleeves, but even if I successfully force a jacket on him, he inevitably takes it off.

Info. would be great.

Alley

[Nebat]

It is not at all unusual for Richmond to receive snow one year or none the next. Almost a foot fell last March, but didn't hang around long. Or for it to be below freezing one week and for the next to hit 70. I live in Staunton a 90 mile trip from Richmond and as I write this it's 20 degrees, so I would assume Richmond is at least 5 to 10 degrees warmer on average compared to the valley. In Richmond the highs during the day are on average between 45-50 in the dead of winter, though it can and will get colder or warmer. Bottom line, you will need to have heavy winter clothes/coats, even though you may not need them every day of the winter. Hope this helps and welcome to VA.

[ellieb128]

It is 24 right now - brrr. It was in the 60s this week, we had a dusting of snow a week or so ago. The weather can be all over the place in the winter. You may not get much use out of snow boots and snow pants (but we always have them on hand) but you can expect it to be cool/cold most mornings. My kids get a lot of use out of their fleece jackets - great for the average winter days - and break out the ski jackets on days like this. But coats/hats/gloves will be needed.

[roanoker 4]

The coldest I have ever been in my life was a visit to San Francisco Bay in the Fall. The wind, fog and chill seem to go right to the bones. I noticed a lot of natives were wearing shorts but I have never been as cold in Va, even when the temperature dips into the '20s. There were quite a few climate changes in northern Ca while driving around. Here, if its cold its hard to escape it other than jumping on a plane to Florida. The good part of this area is that we have 4 distinct seasons, mostly mild as of late.

[camrynh]

It's not bad. THere usually seems to be one or two snow storms or an ice storm once a year, but things melt pretty quickly.

A lot of parents buy snowpants, boots, the whole shebang just for their kids to play outside during those one or two days of snow. Not necessary to wear to school or anything. Winter daytime temps seem to run high 30's, low to mid 40's.

[DKVA]

Unfortunately, we were there only a little over 4 years (can't wait to come back)-But during that time not a lot snow-some ice. Thank goodness schools closed because Virginians do not know how to drive in the snow. . Most of the time just a light winter coat or fleece. Not triple layer that I was used to in NY.

Last year I know there was a significant snow fall (over 6inches) but it it didn't hang around long.

[Alicia64]

Thanks everyone!

I have a feeling your houses are better insulated then ours so you don't feel the cold once inside as badly.

Ronoaker -- Ha! SF is cold, I agree.

Thanks again,

Alley

[ellieb128]

The latest forecast is calling for 8 - 15 inches of snow tonight and tomorrow! You just never know around here!!

[Pruzhany]

I have 14" West of Richmond.

[cb at sea]

Virginia has LOTS of gray days in the winter...it's quite chilly to cold from Dec-Mar....and sometimes, longer!
In the summer, it's HUMID and while last year wasn't too hot, most summers are!