Warm, humid air is already building across southwest Virginia this morning as clouds thicken over the New River Valley. Streets around Blacksburg are still quiet, but the atmosphere is primed for storms later today.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, scattered showers and thunderstorms may develop during the afternoon, with a Marginal Risk for severe weather across southwest Virginia and northwest North Carolina. The main concern is damaging wind gusts, especially in stronger storm cells.
Temperatures surge toward 80°F, unusually warm for early March across Montgomery County and nearby communities. Light southwest winds early will strengthen through the afternoon with gusts approaching 21 mph.
Storms could briefly impact travel on Interstate 81, U.S. Route 460, and Route 114, especially if heavier downpours reduce visibility during the late afternoon commute. While widespread severe weather is not expected, meteorologists note that isolated storms could produce stronger wind bursts.
Rain becomes more widespread tonight as another band of showers pushes through the region. By early Thursday, cooler air arrives behind the system.
High temperatures fall sharply to about 46°F Thursday, with lingering showers early in the day. Winds shift northwest and could gust close to 28 mph, creating a brisk feel across the Appalachian foothills.
Clearer skies return by Friday with sunshine and a high near 59°F. That calmer stretch should help conditions improve for travelers heading through Virginia as spring break travel ramps up across the Southeast.
The weekend looks more pleasant across Blacksburg and the New River Valley. Highs reach the low 60s Saturday with bright sunshine before clouds increase again later Sunday.
With the first official day of spring arriving March 20, warmer patterns may continue building across the eastern United States next week.
Seeing storms develop where you are today in southwest Virginia? Let us know what conditions look like in your neighborhood.
Five Day Outlook for Blacksburg, Virginia
Wednesday: Chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 80°F.
Wednesday Night: Showers and storms likely. Low near 40°F.
Thursday: Showers early, breezy and cooler. High near 46°F.
Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 59°F.
Saturday: Mostly sunny and mild. High near 62°F.
