Blacksburg, Virginia – Drivers along Interstate 81 and U.S. 460 will notice an unusual early-March heat surge through Friday evening, with temperatures climbing as much as 20 degrees above seasonal averages and changing road conditions depending on location.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, much of southwest and central Virginia will see afternoon highs in the 60s and 70s Thursday, with readings pushing into the 70s and lower 80s by Friday. Areas north of Interstate 64 will remain cooler, holding in the upper 50s under thicker cloud cover, with scattered showers possible north of U.S. 460.
The warmer air will be most noticeable along the I-81 corridor from Christiansburg to Roanoke and south toward Wytheville. In these areas, dry pavement and increased glare during peak afternoon sun could impact drivers heading home before 6 p.m. Friday. Farther north toward Lexington and Buena Vista, occasional light showers may create brief slick spots, especially on bridges and overpasses.
In Lynchburg and along U.S. 29, temperatures will also trend well above normal heading into the weekend, accelerating early budding of trees and increasing pollen levels.
Residents should stay hydrated during outdoor activities and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions if traveling north of U.S. 460 where showers develop.
Above-normal warmth continues into the weekend, with additional updates possible if rain coverage expands north of I-64.
