Winters in Virginia are relatively mild, save a few bouts of below-freezing temperatures, ice, and the occasional snow. Yet the winter of 1985 was unprecedented, at least for a single day, when the state’s lowest temperature on record was experienced. We’re not just talking about below-freezing temperatures. We’re talking about extreme cold. This particular year is, without a doubt, a contender for the coldest winter in Virginia. Here’s more on the arctic outbreak that sent the state into an extreme chill.
Please note: the following photos are taken from various winters in Virginia, not necessarily the winter of 1985.
Over 35 years ago, on January 21, 1985, Virginia experienced its single-coldest day on record.
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A polar vortex brought in Arctic air that reached all the way down to Miami, and Virginia certainly saw its fair share of freezing-cold temperatures.
mbell / Getty Images
On that day, the area of Mountain Lake recorded a temperature of -30 degrees F.
Keren Sequeira / EyeEm
The other areas of Virginia that experienced extremely cold temperatures included Hot Springs (-20), Covington (-19), Blacksburg (-18), and Roanoke (-11).
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There is some debate about whether or not this particular day in 1985 was colder than the epic winter of 1917, another especially frigid season for southwestern Virginia.
Bob Glass / 500px / Getty Images In nearby West Virginia, for example, the lowest recorded temperature was -35 degrees F.
Needless to say, we are grateful that not every winter is quite as bone-chilling as some that Virginia has witnessed.
Justin Hamilton / EyeEm / Getty Images
Do you happen to remember the freezing-cold day in January 1985? If so, share your thoughts with us in the comments – we would love to hear from you! For related content, check out our list of unbelievable world records set in Virginia. There are certainly a few surprises in there!
Tetra Images / Getty Images
mbell / Getty Images
Keren Sequeira / EyeEm
Jacqueline Nix / Getty Images
Bob Glass / 500px / Getty Images
In nearby West Virginia, for example, the lowest recorded temperature was -35 degrees F.
Justin Hamilton / EyeEm / Getty Images
And if you’ve never been to Mountain Lake, Virginia, it’s definitely worth visiting. In fact, it’s the tallest lake east of the Mississippi!
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Address: Mountain Lake, Virginia 24128, USA
