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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.
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![Click for larger image](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161224231124im_/http://image.weather.com/images/maps/current/curwx_600x405.jpg)
Current weather
image courtesy of
The Weather Channel |
Current Moisture Status Information
Drought
Monitoring Task Force Reports
U.S.
Drought Monitor
USGS
Current Streamflow Conditions
![](images/StreamImage.jpg)
Two observable signs of the water situation
are streamflow and ground water status.
The USGS (US Geological Survey) monitors both of these
through a network of river gauging stations and monitoring wells.
Keep in mind that there is typically an annual cycle of
both these parameters—they usually are at their lowest in late fall,
rise through the winter and start to fall through the growing season.
It’s the difference between the observed value and the average
for that time of year
that’s important.
![](images/GroundImage.jpg)
For streamflow information, click the
top map; groundwater information, click the bottom map.
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Growing Season & Plant Hardiness
The onset of the growing season varies a great deal across Virginia
and from one year to another. The Average Date of Last Frost
for some locations is shown below.
For more locations, Click
Here.
![VAHardinessDates.jpg](Table.jpg)
The varieties of plants suitable for outdoor gardening varies considerably across the Commonwealth. Some useful
guidance on plant selection comes from the Plant Hardiness Zone.
This is based on the coldest temperature the plant is likely to
experience. Below is the current map of these zones.
Remember to use great caution in complex terrain!
![](images/HardiZoneMap.jpg)
Click map for larger version.
![](images/waterconstips.jpg)
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Springtime in Virginia
Leave winter behind! Spring is always a beautiful time in
Virginia. Clicking on the image below will guide you to some
of the great things to see and do throughout the Commonwealth.
![Walk or bike the Virginia Creeper Trail](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161224231124im_/http://www.virginia.org/images/Bikers/CreeperTrailBikers.jpg)
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Climate Monitoring
![](images/off14_prcp.gif)
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)
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