Climate of Virginia
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Through Gulf Stream, Tornado and Carbon dioxide
Climate zones
The USDA Hardiness Zones for Virginia range from Zone 5A (-20°F to -15°F) in the mountains, to Zone 8B (15°F to 20°F) in areas of the Hampton Roads region.
A lot of variations occur because of the state's significant relief. Elevations in Virginia vary from sea level to Mount Rogers at 5,729 ft (1,746 m) above sea level, with major gradations occurring at the edges of the Atlantic Ocean, the end of the Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge and Allegheny chains of the Appalachian Mountains. The moderating influence of the ocean from the east, powered by the Gulf Stream, also creates the potential for hurricanes near the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. Cold air masses arrive over the mountains, especially in winter, which can lead to significant snowfalls when coastal storms known as noreasters move up the Atlantic coast.
The interaction of these elements with the state's topography create micro-climates in the Shenandoah Valley, the mountainous southwest, and the coastal plains that are slightly but noticeably distinct from each other.
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Statistics for selected cities
The highest recorded temperature is 110 °F (43 °C) at Balcony Falls on July 15, 1954, and the lowest recorded temperature is −30 °F (−34 °C) at Mountain Lake on January 22, 1985.
Severe weather
Severe weather is a concern in Virginia. Hurricanes make the coastal area of Virginia vulnerable. Hurricane Isabel in 2003 brought much destruction from wind and rain, killing 10 directly and causing nearly two billion dollars in damage. Hurricane Gaston (2004) inundated Richmond after moving ashore South Carolina. Virginia is often struck with the remnants of systems which hit along the Gulf of Mexico coastline, which also bring torrential rain to the state. Hurricane Camille was an extreme example, bringing 27 inches (690 mm) of rainfall to portions of Nelson County in a matter of hours. Thunderstorms are an occasional concern with the state averaging anywhere from 35 to 45 days of thunderstorm activity annually.
Rainfall in Virginia is frequent, but does not normally get severe enough for floods. Virginia averages seven tornadoes annually, though most are F2 and lower on the Fujita scale. However, Virginia had eighty-five in 2004. Western Virginia has a lower rate of tornadoes.
Climate change
Climate change in Virginia encompasses the effects of climate change, attributed to man-made increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide in the U.S. state of Virginia.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports:
"Virginia's climate is changing. Most of the state has warmed about one degree (F) in the last century, and the sea is rising one to two inches every decade. Higher water levels are eroding beaches, submerging low lands, exacerbating coastal flooding, and increasing the salinity of estuaries and aquifers. The southeastern United States has warmed less than most of the nation. But in the coming decades, the region's changing climate is likely to reduce crop yields, harm livestock, increase the number of unpleasantly hot days, and increase the risk of heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses".
Seasons
Winter in Virginia is characterized by large swings in temperature throughout and between days. This does not happen every day of the month, however. It may be 10 °C (50 °F) and windy one morning, and 21 °C (70 °F) and calm the next afternoon. Winters are cool; temperatures usually range from the 40s to the 60s Fahrenheit (4 to 15 C) in December; while in January, it typically is at or below freezing, especially in the mountains and the north, but can still be mild in the eastern and southern parts of the state, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s °F (10 to 15 °C) not uncommon. Snowfall is highly variable, occurring more heavily in some years, while in others it can be almost nonexistent. The most snow-prone region of the state is the Blue Ridge. Significant snowfall is most likely in Northern Virginia.
In the summer, temperatures are hot and humid. Precipitation is slightly greater. Temperatures are not extreme, ranging between the high 70s and mid 90s °F (25 to 35 °C); but humidity can make it feel hotter.
As for sunlight, Virginia is about average in state rankings. Areas on the Chesapeake Coast and Eastern Shore are brightest, while the west and north of the state is more cloudy. On the Winter Solstice, Virginia gets between 9 and 10 hours of sunlight. On the summer solstice, it gets between 14.5 and 15 hours.