Roanoke, Virginia – Residents saw dramatic temperature swings throughout March, including an 87°F spike and a sharp drop to near 22°F, highlighting a volatile transition toward spring.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Roanoke finished March with an average high of 68.2°F, which is 9.2 degrees above normal. Overnight lows averaged 40.1°F, also running warmer than typical despite several brief cold snaps during the middle of the month.
The most notable temperature swings occurred between March 10 and March 18, when highs surged into the mid to upper 80s before plunging into the 60s and even 50s, with overnight lows dipping into the 20s. These rapid changes likely impacted early budding plants and agriculture across southwest Virginia.
Rainfall totaled 1.72 inches for the month, running nearly 1.8 inches below normal. Despite multiple rain events, the heaviest precipitation stayed scattered, with only a few days exceeding a quarter inch.
Snowfall was minimal, with just 0.1 inches recorded, more than 2 inches below average. Snow depth peaked early in the month before quickly diminishing as warmer air took over.
The pattern signals an early spring trend, though occasional cold snaps remain possible into April across the region.
