Blacksburg, VA – Wind rustles through the Blue Ridge before sunrise as a strong cold front pushes across southwest Virginia, leaving rain-soaked roads and dropping temperatures in its wake. Commuters along Route 460 and I-81 should prepare for slick stretches early, followed by gusty northwest winds building through the afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, gusts could reach 40 mph in higher terrain today and persist into Friday. The strongest winds are expected along the Allegheny and Blue Ridge ridges, where scattered tree limbs and debris may briefly affect travel. Temperatures will struggle to climb past the low 50s this afternoon, marking a sharp contrast from earlier in the week’s milder air.
By Friday, the system clears, revealing mostly sunny skies and highs near 53°F. Winds remain breezy, keeping the air crisp and dry across the New River Valley. Saturday and Sunday will bring calmer, brighter days, with temperatures slowly rebounding into the mid-50s.
Despite the tranquil weekend, early signs of a colder pattern are showing up for mid-November. Forecast models point to another strong cold front between November 8 and 15, which could bring Virginia’s first hint of snow across the higher elevations near Grayson Highlands and the West Virginia border. While widespread accumulation isn’t expected yet, it’s a reminder that winter’s edge is inching closer.
Residents planning mountain travel this weekend should secure outdoor items, prepare for gusty crosswinds, and enjoy what may be one of the last calm, sunny stretches before November’s chill deepens.
