Virginia – Cold air locks onto the New River Valley this morning, stinging faces and freezing breath on contact. Car doors creak open slowly, and frost glitters across rooftops as an Arctic blast tightens its grip.
The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued an Extreme Cold Warning through midday for Blacksburg and surrounding Southwest Virginia communities. Wind chills have plunged as low as 15 below zero, creating dangerous exposure conditions in minutes. Actual temperatures sit near 8 degrees, but steady winds make it feel far colder.
This level of cold poses real risks. Frostbite can occur quickly on exposed skin, and hypothermia becomes a concern with prolonged outdoor activity. Residents should limit time outside, dress in layers, and cover faces and hands. Pets should remain indoors, and outdoor water lines need protection.
Conditions improve slightly later today as sunshine helps temperatures climb toward the upper 20s. Even then, the air stays biting. Roads remain mostly dry, but bridges, shaded areas, and sidewalks may stay slick from overnight refreezing. Drivers along Route 460 and nearby mountain roads should stay alert through the morning hours.
Another cold night follows tonight into Wednesday morning. Lows dip back into the single digits, and wind chills again fall below zero. A few flurries are possible Wednesday night, with a slight chance of snow lingering into Friday. Any light accumulation could refreeze quickly after dark, increasing slip hazards.
Looking toward Thursday into the weekend, daytime highs remain below freezing at times, keeping winter firmly in place. Meteorologists continue tracking the potential for back-to-back snow chances later this week, though confidence remains low for significant accumulation.
This is the kind of cold that demands preparation. Check on neighbors, delay unnecessary travel, and protect exposed pipes. How cold did it feel where you stepped outside this morning?
Five Day Outlook for Blacksburg, VA
- Today: Extreme cold early, sunny, bitter wind chills
- Wednesday: Cold morning, limited warming, flurries late
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, very cold, refreezing risk
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, chance of snow, icy spots possible
- Saturday: Cold and cloudy, winter conditions continue
