The University of Virginia Climatology Office is a research and service unit of the University of Virginia, in the Department of Environmental Sciences.  We serve government, educational, industry, media, and individual clients with information on the impact of weather and climate on economic and ecologic systems.

Autumn Colors

As the days get shorter and the sun rides lower in the sky, the deciduous trees in Virginia mark the change of the seasons with a colorful display we look forward to every year.  There can be quite a bit of variation in the intensity of the show from one year to another, but we like to think that here in Virginia, even a less than optimum year is pretty spectacular!

Douthat State Park, October 2009 (Image Courtesy:  Virginia Tourism Corporation)

The timing of leaf color change is dependent on a number of factors; in general, though, the progression of the show is from the higher elevations in western Virginia, through the piedmont and across the tidewater.  The map below indicates the usual time period when the leaves are at their color peak.  (Click image for larger version).

Links to Fall Foliage Information and Reports

Virginia Winters 

Wind Chill

During the long winter nights, with the sun lower in the sky, the mercury tends to hide at the bottom of the thermometer.  Mix in enough wind and even the hardiest fans of winter weather will want to add another layer.  The wind chill chart above will help you put a number on the situation. (Click on the chart for a larger version.)

More about Wind Chill

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Know the Snow!

The map above will give you an idea of the annual average seasonal snowfall amount in Virginia.  The amounts generally increase from east to west, but in complex terrain all bets are off.  In any event, the total snowfall for any one season often varies quite a bit from average.

Current Moisture Information

Drought Monitoring Task Force Reports

U.S. Drought Monitor

USGS  Current Streamflow Conditions

USGS  Current Groundwater Conditions

Climate Monitoring

Image Courtesy:  US National Center for Environmental Prediction

Keep track of the latest in climatic conditions, trends and forecasts.

Medium- to Long-Range Outlook

U.S. Monthly "Climate at a Glance"

Global Monthly Historical Perspective

Southern Oscillation (El Niño/La Niña)