THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, December 16, 1995 TAG: 9512160247
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEVE STONE, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 45 lines
What a day!
Christmas may have been just 10 days away, but folks could be forgiven for forgetting on Friday as the mercury rose to a spring-like 71 - two degrees shy of the record for the date.
The respite from the chill of the season will end today, however, as temperatures plunge 20 degrees. And, by early next week, there's a chance a winter storm may be moving in.
Temperatures also soared to near record levels in North Carolina and most of Eastern Virginia on Friday. But no new records were set.
In Norfolk, the record for the date is 73, set in 1971. Being close to that record was probably preferable for most people than being close to the low temperature record of 16, set in 1962.
The warmth in Hampton Roads on Friday was in stark contrast to conditions just a few hours northwest of the region.
In the Washington metro area and northern Virginia, roads were icy Friday morning as temperatures dipped below freezing. It wasn't snowing or raining. Rather, temperatures combined with light winds and high levels of moisture in the air produced frost on side streets and sidewalks. The phenomena is known as ``black ice.''
The forecast for Hampton Roads and vicinity called for overnight rains ending this morning, followed by clearing and mostly sunny skies this afternoon. The high should be around 50.
Tonight is likely to be clear with a low in the upper 30s.
Sunday is expected to be sunny with a high in the mid or upper 40s.
Monday is expected to be partly cloudy with a high in the mid 50s and a low in the mid 30s.
Tuesday brings a chance of showers with a high near 50 and a low in the mid 30s.
The outlook for Monday and Tuesday may change during the weekend, however. A storm showing signs of developing in the Southwest on Friday may be heading for Hampton Roads by then. by CNB