Alright, Hampton, here's the deal: it's a decent day to get outside, but don't go thinking it's pristine out there.
- Air Quality is Meh: We're sitting at a "Moderate" AQI with fine particulate matter in the air. If your lungs are usually drama queens, take it easy.
- Construction Never Sleeps: I-64 is still a mess in spots, and other road projects are always lurking, so plan your routes accordingly.
- City's Buzzing: Conventions and swim meets mean more traffic than usual around certain hotspots.
The Rundown: Hampton's Outdoor Workout Scene, February 26, 2026
Today, February 26, 2026, Hampton is serving up some pretty clear skies and a comfortable 10.3°C (about 50.5°F) for your outdoor endeavors. That's a definite plus for ditching the treadmill. However, don't get too giddy; it's Hampton, not some untouched wilderness.
Air Quality: Don't Breathe Too Deeply
The Air Quality Index is clocking in at 59, which puts us squarely in the "Moderate" category. The dominant pollutant is fine particulate matter. Look, it's not "apocalypse now" bad, but it's also not "take a deep, cleansing breath" good.
Heads Up, Lungs! If you're one of those "unusually sensitive" types, maybe dial back the intensity on your run or ride today. That "moderate" AQI can make a difference, especially on longer efforts. Listen to your body – it's probably smarter than your workout app.
Weather: Clear (for now)
While earlier forecasts for today might have hinted at some rain, our current conditions are showing clear skies. This is good news for keeping trails dry, but always remember that weather around here can turn on a dime. The temperature is spot-on for running; you won't freeze your bits off, nor will you melt into the pavement. Just don't let the nice weather make you forget about that AQI.
Pollen Report: Not the Worst
| Pollen Level | Status |
|---|---|
| General | Low |
Good news for those with spring sniffles starting early: pollen is low today. So, at least your sneezes won't be adding to your breathing issues from the air quality. Small victories, right?
Local Hazards: The Usual Suspects and a Few Extras
Construction: Let's be real, construction is Hampton's unofficial mascot. Overnight lane restrictions and ramp closures on I-64 westbound, particularly around LaSalle Avenue (Exit 265A), are a recurring nightmare that started as early as Tuesday night. While these are primarily overnight (9 p.m. to 5 a.m.), if you're an early bird trying to squeeze in miles near major arteries, you could still hit some residual headaches or debris. And don't even get me started on Wythe Creek Road; that's a multi-year saga of delays.
Traffic Alert! Beyond the usual I-64 woes, both the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival at the Hampton Roads Convention Center and the CAA Swimming & Diving Championship at the Hampton Aquaplex are happening right now. Expect extra vehicles and slow-downs around those areas. If your workout takes you through those parts of town, add some buffer time or find an alternate route.
If you're looking for a relatively straightforward spot to get some steps in, Sandy Bottom Nature Park is generally a solid choice and isn't showing any specific closures for today. Just be mindful of that moderate air quality and listen to your body. No major flooding advisories for the immediate Hampton area today, but it's always good practice to keep an eye on tidal areas if you're near the water.
Data grounded with WVEC from February 26, 2026.