BLACKSBURG, Va. – A surge of fall chill will grip southwest Virginia tonight as clear skies and calm winds allow temperatures to tumble near freezing, prompting a Freeze Watch for Greenbrier and Bath counties through early Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, high pressure sliding southeast from New York will settle over the Appalachians tonight, leading to widespread lows in the 30s. Areas near the I-64 corridor, including Lewisburg and Hot Springs, may see readings at or below 32°F, bringing the first significant freeze risk of the season.
The NWS warns that unprotected crops, flowers, and outdoor plumbing could be damaged by the cold. Residents are urged to cover tender plants with light plastic, burlap, or cloth sheets if they cannot be moved indoors. Pets should be brought inside, and outdoor faucets should be drained or insulated before nightfall.
Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Wytheville can expect lows between 36°F and 41°F, while valleys and mountain hollows will run colder. Patchy frost could form before sunrise Friday, especially in sheltered rural spots.
By Friday afternoon, sunshine should return with highs in the upper 50s to lower 60s, though another cold night is possible heading into the weekend.
