Roanoke, Virginia – Drivers along I-81 and I-581 have a narrow window early Tuesday to watch for slick pavement as temperatures hover near 40 degrees before a sharp warmup begins across western Virginia. Wet roads from lingering cold rain could create patchy slick spots on elevated ramps and bridges through 9 a.m. Tuesday, especially in higher elevations east toward the Blue Ridge Parkway.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, rain will taper off by midmorning Tuesday as temperatures climb from the upper 30s and low 40s into the 50s by afternoon. While no widespread ice accumulation is expected, cooler mountain ridges could see brief freezing rain before daybreak, mainly above 3,000 feet.
The bigger shift arrives midweek. Highs surge into the lower to mid-70s Wednesday along the I-81 corridor, including Roanoke, Salem and Christiansburg. By Thursday, temperatures approach 80 degrees in parts of the Roanoke Valley and New River Valley, a nearly 40-degree swing from Monday morning lows. That rapid change will accelerate snowmelt in the higher terrain and could push small creeks higher, though no river flooding is currently forecast.
Motorists should remain alert during the Tuesday morning commute, especially on bridges and shaded stretches of US-220 and Route 460. Keep headlights on in light rain and allow extra following distance.
A slight chance of showers returns Friday, primarily west of Roanoke into the Alleghany Highlands and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Additional updates are possible if mountain rain coverage increases late week.
