Blacksburg, Virginia – Unseasonably warm and wet weather across southwest Virginia is expected to give way to a sharp return to winter cold early next week.
According to the U.S. National Weather Service office in Blacksburg, the end of the week will feel more like spring, with above-normal temperatures and periods of rain across much of the region. Christmas Day is forecast to remain mild, with scattered showers possible.
Forecast graphics shared by the National Weather Service indicate that temperatures will dip slightly Friday as rain becomes more likely, followed by a rebound this weekend. Highs are expected to climb well above seasonal averages Saturday and Sunday, bringing some of the warmest conditions seen in recent weeks.
That warmth, however, will be short-lived. The National Weather Service reports that an arctic cold front is expected to move through the region Sunday night. By Monday morning, temperatures are forecast to drop sharply, ushering in much colder air that could persist through the middle of next week.
A temperature trend graphic for Roanoke shows readings falling from well above normal levels this weekend to much colder values early next week, highlighting the abrupt change expected across the region.
While no specific precipitation impacts were detailed for the cold front in this update, the arrival of frigid air could lead to renewed winter weather concerns if moisture is present. Residents are encouraged to monitor future forecasts as confidence increases regarding next week’s conditions.
The rapid shift from mild to cold weather could catch travelers and commuters off guard, especially those planning post-holiday travel late Sunday or early Monday. Drivers are urged to remain alert for changing conditions.
Officials advise residents to enjoy the warm stretch while it lasts but prepare for winterlike temperatures to return early next week.
