El Niño in Virginia Beach–Norfolk, VA
In all 3 past super El Niño winters, Virginia Beach–Norfolk was wetter than normal. It was warmer than normal in 2 of 3.
The wettest of them was 1997–98: 16.88 inches, 177% of normal — the wettest of 80.
History from three winters, not a forecast. Measured at one NOAA station, Norfolk; record since Dec–Feb 1946–47.
December–February in the three super El Niño winters
| Winter | Precipitation | Average temperature |
|---|---|---|
| 1982–83Dec 1982–Feb 1983 | 12.74 in+3.20 in vs normal · 134%9th wettest of 80 | 42.9 °F−0.6 °F vs normal39th warmest of 80 |
| 1997–98Dec 1997–Feb 1998 | 16.88 in+7.34 in vs normal · 177%the wettest of 80 | 45.8 °F+2.3 °F vs normal13th warmest of 80 |
| 2015–16Dec 2015–Feb 2016 | 14.25 in+4.71 in vs normal · 149%6th wettest of 80 | 47.3 °F+3.8 °F vs normal4th warmest of 80 |
| Normal1991–2020 average | 9.54 in | 43.5 °F |
Ranks are within this station’s own record: 80 winters for precipitation, 80 for temperature. Source: NOAA NCEI Climate at a Glance, Norfolk precipitation and temperature, as of November 11, 2026.
This winter: where NOAA’s outlook places Virginia Beach–Norfolk
For December–February 2026–27, the Climate Prediction Center’s map places Virginia Beach–Norfolk in the 50–60% area for above-normal precipitation, and in the 33–40% area for above-normal temperature.
Read from the contours of CPC’s seasonal outlook issued October 15, 2026 — the area the city falls in on a continental-scale map, not a forecast made for the city. CPC seasonal outlook maps. CPC reissues it monthly.
Read next
- What El Niño means for the Northeast and Midwest
- Virginia statewide in the same three winters (against a 1901–2000 normal, so the departures differ from this page)
- Winter 2026–27 outlook
- Current El Niño status
Other cities in the Southeast climate region: Miami, Washington, Atlanta, Tampa, Orlando, Charlotte. All 50 cities