Virginia – Sharp, biting air greets early risers this morning as cold settles deep into the New River Valley. Wind slides down the hillsides, stinging faces and leaving cars coated with frost under a pale winter sky.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect through mid-morning. Wind chills dropped as low as 10 below zero before sunrise, creating a real risk of frostbite with prolonged exposure. Actual air temperatures hovered in the low teens across Blacksburg and surrounding higher elevations.
Conditions improve slowly after mid-morning. Sunshine filters through increasing clouds, helping highs climb into the mid-30s. Even so, shaded roads and sidewalks remain icy in spots, especially near campus, neighborhood streets, and along Route 460.
Tonight stays cold, with lows dipping near 20 degrees. Any moisture that melts during the afternoon will refreeze quickly after sunset. Drivers should remain alert for slick patches during evening travel.
Tuesday brings a noticeable change. Milder air pushes in, lifting highs into the low 40s. Clouds thicken through the afternoon, and a chance of rain develops late in the day. By Tuesday night, rain may mix with or change to snow as colder air returns. While significant accumulation is not expected, even light snow could create travel issues late Tuesday into early Wednesday.
Wednesday stays mostly cloudy with highs near 40. Another slight chance of rain or snow lingers during the day, followed by colder air Wednesday night. By Thursday, sunshine returns, but temperatures fall back into the low 30s, reinforcing a winter feel.
Meteorologists continue tracking a broader arctic pattern across the eastern U.S., fueled by extensive Great Lakes ice. A gradual warming trend may arrive late next week, but winter hazards remain front and center for now.
Dress in layers, limit time outdoors early, and plan ahead for changing conditions midweek. How cold did it feel where you live this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for Blacksburg, VA
- Today: Increasing clouds, high near 34
- Tuesday: Chance of rain late, high near 41
- Wednesday: Slight rain or snow chance, high near 40
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, colder, high near 31
- Friday: Chance of snow, high near 39
