Virginia experiences a variable local weather within the first month of the 12 months. Temperatures fluctuate throughout the Commonwealth as a consequence of its numerous geography, starting from the coastal plains to the mountainous west. Usually, coastal areas observe milder situations with common highs within the 40sF (4-9C) and lows within the 30sF (-1-4C). Inland and western areas expertise colder temperatures, with common highs within the 30sF and lows usually dipping into the 20sF (-7 – -1C). Precipitation in January often falls as rain within the jap a part of the state and as a mixture of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow within the west, notably at increased elevations.
Understanding typical January situations is essential for residents and guests. Correct preparation for potential winter climate hazards, together with icy roads and energy outages, contributes to security and minimizes disruptions. Historic climate knowledge for this era permits for knowledgeable decision-making concerning journey, outside actions, and infrastructure administration. The interaction of temperature and precipitation in January influences agricultural practices and the pure surroundings, affecting dormant vegetation and wildlife conduct.
This data serves as a basis for exploring particular facets of Virginia’s January local weather in additional element. The next sections delve into regional variations, historic traits, and the influence on varied sectors, providing a complete understanding of this significant interval within the Commonwealth’s annual climate cycle.
1. Temperature Fluctuations
Temperature fluctuations are a defining attribute of January climate in Virginia. The Commonwealth’s numerous topography and placement contribute to vital variations in temperature all through the month, impacting each day life and requiring particular preparations. Understanding these fluctuations is essential for navigating the season safely and successfully.
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Diurnal Temperature Variation
The distinction between daytime excessive and nighttime low temperatures may be substantial in January. Clear skies permit for radiative cooling in a single day, resulting in considerably colder temperatures, particularly in inland areas. This diurnal swing can influence all the pieces from street situations (freezing and thawing) to power consumption for heating.
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Geographic Variability
Virginia’s geography performs a key function in temperature variations. Coastal areas profit from the moderating affect of the Atlantic Ocean, experiencing milder temperatures in comparison with inland and mountainous areas. For instance, Norfolk may see highs within the 40s whereas Shenandoah Nationwide Park experiences highs within the 20s or 30s. This variability necessitates completely different approaches to winter preparedness throughout the state.
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Affect of Air Lots
The arrival of various air lots considerably impacts temperatures. Chilly air intrusions from the north can convey durations of considerably below-average temperatures, whereas hotter, extra southerly air can result in short-term thaws. These shifts can happen quickly, creating challenges for forecasting and requiring flexibility in planning outside actions.
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Influence on Precipitation Sort
Temperature fluctuations straight affect the kind of precipitation Virginia receives in January. Temperatures hovering round freezing can result in transitions between rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow, creating hazardous journey situations. Understanding these temperature-dependent transitions is important for predicting and mitigating winter climate dangers.
These aspects of temperature fluctuation underscore the advanced nature of January climate in Virginia. Consciousness of those variations is crucial for residents, guests, and industries throughout the Commonwealth, enabling knowledgeable choices concerning security, infrastructure, and useful resource administration all through the month.
2. Coastal vs. Inland Climates
The excellence between coastal and inland climates performs a vital function in shaping Virginia’s January climate. The moderating affect of the Atlantic Ocean considerably impacts temperatures and precipitation patterns alongside the coast, making a stark distinction with the extra continental local weather skilled inland. This distinction necessitates distinct issues for residents, companies, and infrastructure planning throughout the Commonwealth.
Coastal Virginia, encompassing areas like Norfolk, Virginia Seaside, and the Japanese Shore, experiences milder winters as a result of ocean’s thermal inertia. Water retains warmth longer than land, stopping temperatures from dropping as drastically as they do additional inland. This leads to common January highs within the 40s Fahrenheit (4-9 Celsius) and lows not often dipping beneath freezing. Precipitation predominantly falls as rain, though occasional wintry combine occasions can happen when chilly air lots push southward. The Chesapeake Bay additionally exerts a moderating affect, though to a lesser extent than the open ocean.
In distinction, inland Virginia, together with areas west of the autumn line like Richmond, Charlottesville, and Roanoke, experiences a extra pronounced continental local weather. The absence of the ocean’s moderating impact permits for better temperature extremes. Common January highs sometimes vary from the 30s to low 40s Fahrenheit, whereas lows incessantly fall into the 20s and even teenagers. Wintry precipitation is extra widespread inland, with a mixture of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow occurring relying on the particular climate system and elevation. Increased elevations within the Appalachian Mountains expertise considerably colder temperatures and extra substantial snowfall accumulations, impacting transportation, infrastructure, and leisure actions.
This coastal-inland divide has vital sensible implications. Coastal communities should put together for infrequent flooding as a consequence of storm surges and excessive tides exacerbated by winter storms, whereas inland areas concentrate on snow removing, street therapy for ice, and defending infrastructure from freezing temperatures. Understanding these regional climatic variations is crucial for efficient planning and useful resource allocation throughout Virginia, making certain preparedness for the various climate challenges January can current.
3. Precipitation Variability
Precipitation variability considerably influences Virginia’s January climate. The Commonwealth’s geographical variety, spanning coastal plains to mountainous areas, results in a fancy interaction of things affecting precipitation kind and quantity. Understanding this variability is essential for predicting potential impacts on infrastructure, agriculture, and each day life.
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Coastal vs. Inland Variations
Coastal areas sometimes expertise extra rainfall than inland areas throughout January, influenced by the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and prevailing storm tracks. Inland areas, notably at increased elevations, obtain a better proportion of frozen precipitationsnow, sleet, and freezing rain. These regional distinctions create various challenges, from coastal flooding issues to inland transportation disruptions as a consequence of ice and snow.
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Elevation’s Influence on Snowfall
Elevation performs a important function in figuring out snowfall accumulation. The western mountainous areas of Virginia, such because the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains, constantly obtain increased snowfall totals than lower-lying areas. This distinction is because of orographic raise, the place air lots are pressured upwards by the mountains, cooling and condensing to provide snow. These increased elevations can expertise vital snow accumulation, impacting transportation, tourism, and native economies.
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Interaction of Temperature and Precipitation Sort
Temperature fluctuations close to the freezing level create advanced precipitation eventualities. Slight variations can result in transitions between rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow inside a single storm occasion. These transitions pose vital hazards, notably for street journey. Precisely predicting these transitions requires subtle meteorological fashions and cautious monitoring of temperature profiles.
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Affect of Giant-Scale Climate Patterns
Giant-scale climate patterns, such because the El Nio-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), can not directly affect January precipitation in Virginia. These patterns can shift storm tracks and alter temperature profiles, impacting the quantity and kind of precipitation the Commonwealth receives. Understanding these bigger climatic influences supplies beneficial context for long-term precipitation traits and potential future eventualities.
These aspects of precipitation variability contribute to the advanced and dynamic nature of Virginia’s January climate. Recognizing these influences supplies essential insights for mitigating potential dangers and adapting to the various situations skilled throughout the Commonwealth. This understanding permits for simpler planning associated to transportation, agriculture, water useful resource administration, and general neighborhood preparedness throughout this important winter month.
4. Potential Winter Hazards
January climate in Virginia presents a variety of potential hazards straight linked to the prevailing weather conditions. Understanding these hazards is essential for residents, guests, and stakeholders to successfully mitigate dangers and guarantee security all through the month. The next aspects discover the particular hazards related to Virginia’s January climate and their potential influence.
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Icy Roads and Bridges
Freezing rain and snow create hazardous driving situations. Bridges and overpasses are notably prone to icing as a consequence of their publicity to chilly air from above and beneath. Black ice, a clear layer of ice tough to see, poses a big menace. These situations can result in car accidents, site visitors delays, and disruptions to transportation networks. Preemptive salting and sanding of roads, together with public consciousness campaigns concerning secure winter driving practices, are essential mitigation methods.
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Energy Outages
Winter storms, together with heavy snow and ice accumulation, can harm energy traces and disrupt electrical energy provide. Energy outages can vary from localized disruptions to widespread blackouts, impacting properties, companies, and important infrastructure. Extended outages pose dangers to weak populations, notably in periods of maximum chilly. Emergency preparedness measures, together with backup turbines, satisfactory insulation, and entry to warming facilities, are important for mitigating the influence of energy outages.
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Hypothermia and Frostbite
Publicity to chilly temperatures and wind chill can result in hypothermia and frostbite. These situations are notably harmful for people spending prolonged durations open air, together with these experiencing homelessness. Public well being campaigns emphasizing correct layering, limiting outside publicity, and recognizing the indicators of cold-related diseases are essential preventative measures. Offering entry to heat shelters and medical care is crucial for safeguarding weak populations.
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Falling Timber and Limbs
Heavy snow and ice accumulation can stress bushes and branches, resulting in potential breakage and falling particles. This poses a danger to property, energy traces, and private security. Common tree upkeep, together with eradicating useless or weakened branches, can mitigate this hazard. Throughout winter storms, avoiding areas with dense tree cowl is advisable.
These potential hazards underscore the significance of preparedness and proactive measures all through January in Virginia. Understanding the interaction of temperature, precipitation, and geographical components permits for efficient mitigation methods, selling security and minimizing disruptions throughout this winter month. Continued funding in infrastructure resilience, public consciousness campaigns, and neighborhood assist programs are essential for navigating the challenges offered by Virginia’s January climate.
5. Influence on Infrastructure
Virginia’s infrastructure faces vital challenges throughout January as a result of prevalent climate situations. Freezing temperatures, winter precipitation, and fluctuating situations can disrupt transportation networks, pressure power grids, and influence important companies. Understanding these vulnerabilities is essential for implementing efficient mitigation methods and making certain the continued performance of important infrastructure programs all through the month.
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Transportation Disruptions
Winter climate poses vital challenges to Virginia’s transportation infrastructure. Snow and ice accumulation can render roads and bridges treacherous, resulting in accidents, closures, and vital delays. Public transportation programs could expertise disruptions or decreased service. Airports can face closures and flight cancellations as a consequence of winter storms. These disruptions influence commuters, freight transport, and the general circulate of products and companies throughout the Commonwealth. Investing in winter climate preparedness, together with snow removing tools, street therapy methods, and sturdy communication programs, is crucial for minimizing these disruptions.
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Pressure on Power Grids
Elevated power demand for heating throughout January locations a big pressure on Virginia’s energy grid. Excessive chilly can enhance the danger of energy outages as a consequence of tools failures or surges in demand exceeding capability. Winter storms can additional exacerbate these challenges by damaging energy traces and disrupting electrical energy distribution. Guaranteeing grid resilience via proactive upkeep, capability upgrades, and diversified power sources is essential for assembly the elevated power calls for of January and minimizing the danger of disruptions.
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Water Infrastructure Vulnerabilities
Freezing temperatures can harm water pipes and infrastructure, resulting in leaks, bursts, and repair disruptions. That is notably problematic in older infrastructure programs or these with insufficient insulation. Water most important breaks can disrupt water provide, influence firefighting capabilities, and trigger property harm. Implementing preventative measures, together with pipe insulation, leak detection programs, and proactive upkeep, is essential for safeguarding water infrastructure in periods of maximum chilly.
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Influence on Communication Networks
Extreme winter climate can disrupt communication networks, impacting cellphone service, web entry, and emergency communication programs. Heavy snow and ice accumulation can harm communication infrastructure, together with cell towers and fiber optic cables. These disruptions can hinder emergency response efforts, impede communication between important companies, and isolate communities. Investing in resilient communication infrastructure and backup programs is essential for sustaining connectivity throughout winter climate occasions.
These vulnerabilities spotlight the interconnectedness of Virginia’s infrastructure programs and their susceptibility to disruptions brought on by January’s climate. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted strategy encompassing preventative upkeep, infrastructure upgrades, sturdy emergency preparedness plans, and efficient communication methods. Continued funding in infrastructure resilience is crucial for making certain the protection and well-being of communities throughout the Commonwealth throughout this demanding winter month.
6. Agricultural Implications
January climate considerably influences Virginia’s agricultural sector. Temperatures, precipitation, and the frequency of freeze-thaw cycles influence winter crops, livestock administration, and general farm operations. Understanding these impacts is essential for farmers to mitigate dangers, adapt practices, and make sure the viability of agricultural manufacturing all through the winter months.
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Winter Crop Administration
Winter crops, corresponding to wheat, barley, and canola, are weak to temperature extremes and fluctuating situations in January. Extended durations of maximum chilly can harm or kill crops, whereas milder durations interspersed with freezing temperatures can influence plant improvement and yield potential. Snow cowl can present insulation and defend crops from excessive chilly, however extreme snow or ice accumulation also can harm crops. Farmers make use of varied administration practices, corresponding to choosing cold-hardy varieties, adjusting planting dates, and using cowl crops, to mitigate these dangers.
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Livestock Care
January climate presents distinctive challenges for livestock administration. Chilly temperatures and winter precipitation necessitate elevated consideration to animal welfare. Offering satisfactory shelter, making certain entry to unfrozen water sources, and adjusting feed rations to satisfy elevated power calls for are important for sustaining livestock well being and productiveness. Farmers should additionally handle manure and bedding to attenuate environmental impacts and preserve sanitary situations in livestock housing.
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Soil Well being and Erosion
Freezing and thawing cycles in January can influence soil construction and enhance the danger of abrasion. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can weaken soil aggregates, making them extra prone to erosion by wind and water. Naked fields are notably weak, highlighting the significance of canopy crops or crop residue for safeguarding soil surfaces. Managing drainage and minimizing soil disturbance throughout winter months are essential for sustaining soil well being and stopping erosion.
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Pest and Illness Administration
Whereas some pests and illnesses are much less energetic throughout winter months, January climate can affect overwintering populations and create situations conducive to sure illnesses. Monitoring pest and illness stress, implementing preventative measures, and adapting administration methods based mostly on climate situations are essential for minimizing potential crop losses and making certain long-term crop well being.
These agricultural implications spotlight the shut relationship between climate and agricultural productiveness in Virginia throughout January. Farmers should fastidiously contemplate the prevailing and predicted climate situations when making administration choices to mitigate dangers, optimize useful resource utilization, and make sure the continued viability of their operations. Adapting to the challenges offered by January climate is crucial for sustaining Virginia’s agricultural sector and making certain meals safety.
7. Wildlife Diversifications
Virginia’s numerous wildlife employs varied adaptation methods to navigate the challenges posed by January’s climate. Fluctuating temperatures, precipitation variability, and decreased meals availability necessitate behavioral modifications, physiological changes, and ecological methods for survival. Understanding these diversifications supplies beneficial insights into the advanced interaction between wildlife and their surroundings in the course of the winter months.
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Thermoregulation
Sustaining physique temperature is an important problem for wildlife in January. Endothermic animals, corresponding to mammals and birds, depend on physiological mechanisms like shivering, elevated metabolic charges, and insulation (fur, feathers, fats) to generate and preserve warmth. Ectothermic animals, corresponding to reptiles and amphibians, depend on behavioral thermoregulation, searching for out microclimates that provide safety from excessive temperatures, corresponding to burrows, rock crevices, or leaf litter. These diversifications are important for surviving temperature fluctuations and minimizing power expenditure in periods of chilly stress.
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Foraging Methods
Meals availability decreases considerably for a lot of species throughout January. Herbivores face challenges discovering edible vegetation beneath snow cowl or frozen floor. Some species, like deer, adapt by searching on woody vegetation or consuming cached meals shops. Carnivores could shift their looking methods, concentrating on prey weakened by the chilly or specializing in scavenging alternatives. These behavioral diversifications are essential for sustaining power consumption in periods of meals shortage.
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Hibernation and Torpor
Some Virginia wildlife species make the most of hibernation or torpor to outlive the tough winter situations. Groundhogs, for instance, enter true hibernation, considerably lowering their metabolic charge and physique temperature to preserve power. Different species, like black bears, enter a lighter state of torpor, lowering their exercise ranges and metabolic charges however remaining extra simply roused. These diversifications permit animals to preserve power and survive durations of restricted meals availability and excessive chilly.
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Migration and Motion
A number of chicken species migrate south for the winter to keep away from the tough situations of January in Virginia. These migratory patterns are pushed by modifications in day size and meals availability. Different species, like some mammals, could undertake shorter-distance actions to decrease elevations or areas with extra favorable microclimates. These actions permit animals to entry extra considerable meals assets and keep away from essentially the most extreme winter climate.
These numerous diversifications spotlight the resilience and flexibility of Virginia’s wildlife within the face of difficult January climate situations. Understanding these methods supplies beneficial insights into the ecological dynamics of the Commonwealth’s pure programs and underscores the significance of conserving habitats that present important assets for wildlife survival throughout winter months.
Often Requested Questions on January Climate in Virginia
This part addresses widespread questions and misconceptions concerning January climate in Virginia, offering concise and informative responses based mostly on climatological knowledge and historic traits.
Query 1: How a lot snow does Virginia sometimes obtain in January?
Snowfall quantities range considerably throughout Virginia in January. Coastal areas sometimes obtain little to no snow, whereas mountainous areas can obtain a number of ft. The common snowfall in Richmond is round 2-4 inches, however this will fluctuate significantly 12 months to 12 months. Increased elevations within the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains common considerably extra.
Query 2: What are the everyday temperatures in Virginia throughout January?
Common January temperatures vary from the low 30s to low 40s Fahrenheit within the jap and coastal plains, dropping to the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit within the mountainous western areas. Nighttime temperatures incessantly fall beneath freezing all through the Commonwealth.
Query 3: How usually does it rain in Virginia throughout January?
Rainfall is widespread all through Virginia in January, with a median of 8-10 days experiencing measurable precipitation. The type of precipitation varies, with rain extra prevalent in coastal areas and a mixture of rain, snow, sleet, and freezing rain extra widespread inland and at increased elevations.
Query 4: What are the street situations like in Virginia throughout January?
Highway situations may be hazardous throughout January, notably throughout and after winter precipitation occasions. Ice and snow can accumulate on roads, creating slippery and harmful driving situations. Monitoring climate forecasts and street situations earlier than touring is crucial. The Virginia Division of Transportation (VDOT) supplies real-time street situation data.
Query 5: What ought to one pack for a visit to Virginia in January?
Packing for a January journey to Virginia requires contemplating the variable climate situations. Heat layers, together with a water-resistant outer layer, are important. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is really useful. If touring to mountainous areas or throughout a interval of anticipated snowfall, packing winter equipment like hats, gloves, and scarves is advisable.
Query 6: Are there any particular security precautions to take throughout January in Virginia?
Staying knowledgeable about climate forecasts is essential. Being ready for potential energy outages and unsafe street situations is necessary. When driving, cut back pace and preserve a secure following distance. If venturing open air, gown warmly in layers and restrict publicity to excessive chilly. Being conscious of the indicators of hypothermia and frostbite is necessary.
Understanding these incessantly requested questions supplies beneficial insights for navigating January climate in Virginia. Preparation and consciousness are key to mitigating dangers and making certain security all through the month.
The next part provides detailed local weather knowledge and historic climate data for a deeper understanding of January climate patterns in Virginia.
Suggestions for Navigating January Climate in Virginia
Cautious planning and preparation are important for navigating the variable climate situations skilled in Virginia throughout January. The next suggestions provide sensible steerage for residents and guests to mitigate potential dangers and guarantee security all through the month.
Tip 1: Monitor Climate Forecasts Recurrently
Staying knowledgeable about evolving climate patterns is essential. Seek the advice of dependable climate sources, together with the Nationwide Climate Service, for up-to-date forecasts and potential climate advisories. Pay shut consideration to predictions of winter storms, temperature fluctuations, and precipitation varieties.
Tip 2: Put together for Potential Energy Outages
Winter storms can disrupt energy provides. Assemble an emergency equipment containing important provides like flashlights, batteries, a first-aid equipment, non-perishable meals, and bottled water. Contemplate a backup energy supply for important gadgets and home equipment.
Tip 3: Winterize Autos
Guarantee automobiles are correctly outfitted for winter driving. Verify tire stress, battery situation, and antifreeze ranges. Maintain an emergency equipment within the car containing blankets, a shovel, ice scraper, and sand or kitty litter for traction.
Tip 4: Observe Protected Winter Driving Methods
Cut back pace and preserve a secure following distance on icy or snow-covered roads. Keep away from sudden braking or acceleration. Be notably cautious on bridges and overpasses, that are susceptible to icing. Familiarize oneself with secure winter driving practices and contemplate attending a winter driving security course.
Tip 5: Costume in Layers for Chilly Climate
When venturing open air, gown in a number of layers of heat clothes, together with a water-resistant outer layer. Shield extremities with hats, gloves, and scarves. Take note of wind chill, which may considerably exacerbate the consequences of chilly temperatures.
Tip 6: Shield Pipes from Freezing
Insulate uncovered pipes and permit taps to drip slowly in periods of maximum chilly to stop freezing. Familiarize oneself with the situation of the primary water shut-off valve in case of a burst pipe.
Tip 7: Plan Out of doors Actions Fastidiously
Verify climate forecasts earlier than participating in outside actions. Be ready for altering situations and potential hazards like icy trails or sturdy winds. Inform somebody of deliberate routes and estimated return occasions.
Tip 8: Be Conscious of Chilly-Associated Diseases
Study the indicators of hypothermia and frostbite. Search medical consideration instantly if experiencing signs. Restrict publicity to excessive chilly and guarantee satisfactory hydration.
These precautions contribute considerably to security and well-being throughout January’s variable climate situations. Planning and preparedness are key to minimizing dangers and having fun with the winter season in Virginia.
The next conclusion summarizes the important thing takeaways concerning January climate in Virginia and emphasizes the continuing significance of preparedness and adaptation.
Conclusion
Virginia’s January climate presents a fancy interaction of fluctuating temperatures, variable precipitation, and distinct regional climates. Coastal areas expertise milder situations with predominantly rain, whereas inland and mountainous areas face colder temperatures, snow, and ice. These situations influence infrastructure, agriculture, wildlife, and each day life throughout the Commonwealth. Understanding these dynamics is essential for efficient planning, useful resource administration, and hazard mitigation.
Preparedness stays paramount for navigating January’s climate challenges. Continued funding in infrastructure resilience, refined forecasting capabilities, and proactive neighborhood engagement are important for mitigating dangers and making certain the protection and well-being of residents and guests alike. Adaptability and knowledgeable decision-making are key to efficiently navigating the complexities of Virginia’s January climate and fostering resilience within the face of its inherent variability.
