Blacksburg, VA – Isolated afternoon thunderstorms could disrupt weekend plans across Virginia, with a higher risk of rain and lightning in the North Carolina mountains through Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, moisture-rich air combined with daytime heating will spark scattered storms Friday and Saturday, especially over higher elevations. A stronger upper-level system on Sunday may bring more widespread rain across western Virginia and into West Virginia.
High temperatures will remain near or above normal, peaking in the mid-80s to low 90s each afternoon. Storms are expected to be most active between 2 and 7 p.m., with heavy downpours, gusty winds, and brief lightning threats. Localized flooding is possible in low-lying areas and along poor drainage spots, especially in the Blue Ridge and NC mountain zones.
Cities like Roanoke, Blacksburg, and Lynchburg should see mostly dry mornings with increasing storm chances by late afternoon. Travelers along I-81 and the Blue Ridge Parkway should use caution during storm windows and avoid flooded roadways.
Outdoor plans should remain flexible, with umbrellas and weather alerts close by.
Scattered thunderstorms will continue into early next week, with the best chances of widespread rain expected on Sunday as a trough deepens over the Ohio Valley.
🔎 Five-Day Forecast for SW Virginia & NC Mountains
- Friday: Highs near 90°F, isolated PM storms (higher risk in NC mountains)
- Saturday: Mid-80s to low 90s, scattered afternoon thunderstorms
- Sunday: 80s, scattered to widespread storms, especially west of Blue Ridge
- Monday: Low 80s, chance of afternoon storms continues
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, isolated PM storm chance, highs in upper 80s
