Blacksburg, Va. – Virginia is trading a quiet start for an increasingly stormy stretch of weather, and residents across the New River Valley should prepare for several rounds of showers and thunderstorms beginning this afternoon. Low clouds and early patchy fog are fading, but the atmosphere is becoming more unstable as temperatures climb. By later today, wet roads, lightning and locally heavy rain could quickly become the biggest weather story.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, showers become more widespread after 3 p.m. Monday, with thunderstorms developing across southwest Virginia. The forecast calls for a 60% chance of rain today, increasing to 70% Tuesday and 90% Tuesday night. A Hazardous Weather Outlook also highlights the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms Monday through Wednesday, with damaging wind gusts and localized flooding listed as the primary threats.
If you’re traveling this afternoon or evening, keep a close eye on changing conditions. Drivers along Interstate 81, U.S. Route 460 and U.S. Route 11 could encounter sudden downpours, reduced visibility and water collecting in low-lying areas. Plan extra travel time, slow down on wet pavement and never drive through flooded roadways.
Temperatures reach around 81 degrees Monday before climbing to 83 degrees Tuesday. Southwest winds may gust to 21 mph Tuesday, with stronger gusts possible inside thunderstorms. While not every community will experience severe weather, isolated stronger storms could produce damaging winds. The tornado threat remains low, but it is not zero in stronger summertime thunderstorm environments, so staying weather-aware is important.
Scattered showers continue Wednesday with another 60% chance of rain and highs near 80 degrees before drier air arrives Thursday. Sunshine returns with a cooler high near 77 degrees, followed by partly sunny skies Friday and highs in the mid-70s. Longer-range outlooks continue to favor above-normal temperatures returning later next week after the midweek cooldown.
Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and check radar before heading outdoors this afternoon. Conditions may change quickly as storms develop across southwest Virginia.
Five-Day Forecast for Blacksburg, Virginia
- Monday: Showers and thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 81°F. Chance of rain 60%.
- Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, especially after 4 p.m. High 83°F. Low 67°F. Chance of rain 70%, increasing to 90% Tuesday night.
- Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. High 80°F. Low 59°F. Chance of rain 60%.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny and cooler. High 77°F. Low 60°F.
- Friday: Partly sunny. High 76°F.
