Blacksburg, VA – Rain and chilly conditions are expected across southwest Virginia and the southern Appalachians on Saturday, followed by a pronounced warm-up heading into the first full week of January, according to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg.
The National Weather Service said a low-pressure system tracking along the Gulf States will move into the southeastern U.S. by late Saturday afternoon. The system is expected to bring periods of rain and damp conditions throughout the day, with temperatures remaining cool. Highs on Saturday are forecast to range from the upper 30s to low 40s across the region.
By Saturday evening, the system will move quickly offshore, allowing conditions to gradually improve. Sunday is expected to be drier, with highs rebounding into the upper 30s to near 50 degrees under increasing sunshine.
A significant pattern shift is forecast for early next week. Meteorologists report that a ridge of high pressure will establish itself offshore, opening the door for a steady southwesterly flow from the Gulf of Mexico. This setup is expected to bring much warmer air into the region, making conditions feel more like early spring than mid-winter.
High temperatures are forecast to climb into the upper 40s and low 50s on Monday, then rise further into the 50s and low 60s by Tuesday. By Wednesday, some areas could see highs reaching the mid to upper 60s, well above early January averages.
While no hazardous weather is currently expected beyond Saturday’s rain, wet roads may affect travel during daytime hours, especially for commuters and those driving mountain routes.
The National Weather Service advises residents to plan for rain Saturday and to stay updated on forecasts as temperature trends for next week become clearer, particularly for those making travel or outdoor plans more than 24 hours in advance.
