The weather in Norfolk is insane. Blame it on the beach or the fact that Norfolk is on a peninsula, but there is just no way to dress right for what’s going on outside. And don’t try to plan your wardrobe for the week. Sometimes it can go from snow and ice on Monday to 80 degrees on Friday, no exaggeration. The weather is insane. However, because of Norfolk’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the most extreme weather the area gets is usually rain and wind. Don’t worry about snow too much, and be comforted by the fact that classes will most likely be cancelled if it does snow. The wind, however, is miserable during the winter. It will cut through knit sweaters and kick dust and sand into your eyes and hair. Be prepared.
Students at Old Dominion University know not to stash away their flip-flops even in the middle of December, and that it is only safe to pack up shorts and summer T-shirts once snow actually touches the ground. Students attending Old Dominion would be well advised to keep some scarves, jackets, snow boots, shorts, sunglasses, hats, and jeans on hand for the winter months. The summer humidity makes at least half of the fall semester at Old Dominion almost unbearable. Walking to classes—even driving—can be difficult for a student who is not accustomed to Norfolk’s definition of hot. Fortunately, despite the random temperatures, there is hardly a day that goes by that isn’t sunny. The sun will emerge even in the middle of rainstorms, snowstorms, and hurricanes. It’s a little odd seeing the sun in the middle of a storm, but nice as well. Better too sunny than always overcast.