Virginia wakes to crisp air and clearing skies, with mountains slowly emerging from thin clouds. The calm start hides a fast-moving winter pattern that turns wetter, then colder, by Friday.
According to the National Weather Service, Blacksburg warms into the low 50s today under partial sunshine. Winds stay light, making it feel mild for December. This is the best window to prepare before conditions shift.
Clouds thicken tonight as temperatures fall near freezing. Roads stay dry, but colder air settles into valleys by early morning.
Rain chances increase Thursday afternoon. Showers become more widespread by evening, with highs near 49. Expect slick roads on U.S. 460 and Route 114 during late-day travel. Plan extra time and reduce speed during heavier rain.
Thursday night turns wet and breezy. Rain becomes likely, with temperatures holding near 37. Moisture lingers into early Friday, keeping pavement damp as colder air approaches.
By Friday, rain tapers off and skies brighten gradually. Highs reach the low 40s, but colder air rushes in late day. Winds increase, adding a brisk feel. Conditions may improve visually, but the risk shifts to refreezing.
Friday night delivers a hard freeze, with lows near 25. Any leftover moisture freezes quickly, creating black ice on bridges, shaded roads, and parking lots. Conditions may deteriorate rapidly after sunset.
Saturday brings welcome relief. Sunshine returns, highs reach the low 50s, and travel improves. Saturday night stays cool, then Sunday remains mostly sunny with highs near 52.
Christmas Travel Outlook:
Southwest Virginia faces a classic rain-then-freeze setup. Watch for slick spots late Friday into early Saturday. The weekend looks calmer, but early mornings stay cold.
Five-Day Snapshot:
- Today: Partly sunny, high 51
- Thursday: Rain develops, high 49
- Friday: Clearing, colder, high 42
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 53
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 52
