Richmond weather: Winter Storm Warning today with 1–3 inches of snow, slick travel expected

A fresh surge of wintry air is setting up a messy Monday for the capital region. Richmond weather turns snowy today, Monday, December 8, with a Winter Storm Warning in effect through the day. Light snow and snow showers will expand across the metro during the morning and persist on and off into the evening. Most neighborhoods are on track for 1–3 inches, with locally higher totals on grassy and elevated surfaces. Temperatures hovering near the freezing mark will make untreated roads, bridges, and ramps icy—especially during the morning and late-day commutes.

What to expect today in Richmond

Cold air has settled in and will hold highs in the low 30s°F. With ground temperatures cooling after the weekend’s chill, even light bursts of snow can start sticking. Northeasterly winds around 10–15 mph will add a bite to the air and may briefly reduce visibility during steadier bands. Travel conditions will vary block to block: primary roads treated early should fare better, while neighborhood streets and secondary routes will be slick at times.

• Snow window: Morning through early evening, occasionally moderate.

• Totals: Commonly 1–3 inches; highest slushy amounts on grass, cars, decks.

• Temperature: Near 33°F daytime, sliding into the 20s°F tonight with refreeze.

• Wind: NNE 10–15 mph, occasionally gusty.

• Impacts: Slippery roads/sidewalks, minor delays, scattered schedule changes.

Richmond weather timeline (ET)

• 6–9 a.m.: Snow showers increase; first slick spots develop on bridges and ramps.

• 9 a.m.–3 p.m.: Steadier periods of snow. Visibility occasionally under a mile in the heavier bursts.

• 3–7 p.m.: Snow tapers from west to east; lingering flurries and icy patches for the ride home.

• Tonight: Clouds break, temperatures fall into the upper 20s°F—expect a widespread refreeze.

(Timing can shift by an hour or two across the region; plan for variability.)

School, work, and travel notes

With today designated a high-impact weather day, scattered closures and delays are being announced this morning. Expect adjustments to in-person schedules, especially for early bus routes and after-school activities. If you must drive, slow down, leave extra space, and avoid sudden braking. Keep an emergency kit in the car—warm layers, scraper/brush, phone charger, and a small shovel. Pedestrians should watch for black ice near curbs and crosswalks.

Air travelers should monitor their flight status for de-icing delays during peak snowfall. Regional rail and bus services may operate on modified schedules if road conditions deteriorate.

Short-term outlook: cold but calmer after the snow

Richmond weather turns quieter and bright on Tuesday, December 9. Sunshine returns, but it stays cold—afternoon highs near the upper 30s°F with a frosty start in the 20s°F. Any residual slush will harden overnight and into the morning, so expect lingering slick spots on untreated surfaces early Tuesday. Milder sunshine works in midweek, though nights remain seasonably cold.

Tuesday: Sunny to partly cloudy, 37°F/28°F.
Wednesday–Thursday: Dry and cool; gradual moderation, but mornings remain chilly.

Who gets what: city vs. suburbs

• Downtown/I-95 corridor: Pockets of slushy accumulation, especially during steadier snow midday; main roads mainly wet if pre-treated, but ramps and shaded stretches turn slick.

• Northern/western suburbs (Short Pump, Glen Allen, Ashland): Slightly better chance of reaching the upper end of the 1–3 inch range with colder surface temps.

• Southside (Midlothian, Chesterfield, Petersburg): Similar totals, but brief mixing or lighter intensity at times could trim amounts in spots.

Practical tips to get through the day

• Pre-treat walkways with salt or sand and clear steps before the evening refreeze.

• Stagger errands to late afternoon if possible, when road crews have had more time to work.

• Park off-street where you can to help plows and spreaders.

• Bring pets inside; wind chills will run in the 20s°F.

• Check heat, pipes, and space heaters; keep anything that heats at least three feet from combustibles.

Bottom line for Richmond weather

Plan on a legitimate snow day feel—manageable but disruptive at times. The combination of near-freezing temperatures, occasional steadier snow, and an evening refreeze points to slippery travel and scattered schedule changes. Conditions improve late tonight into Tuesday as snow ends and sunshine returns, but icy patches will linger early. Stay weather-aware, give road crews room to work, and build extra time into any essential trips.