Blacksburg, Virginia – A surge of Arctic air moving into Virginia Wednesday night will bring a sharp temperature drop and dangerously cold wind chills by early Thursday, especially across the mountains. Residents in higher elevations could wake up to wind chills near or below zero, creating hazardous conditions for anyone outdoors.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, temperatures will fall quickly Wednesday night as strong northwest winds usher in Arctic air. By Thursday morning, wind chill values are expected to range from near zero to as low as 10 degrees below zero across the highest elevations of southwest Virginia and southeastern West Virginia. Across the Piedmont and Shenandoah Valley, wind chills are forecast to dip into the teens.
The coldest conditions are expected in areas such as Tazewell, Bland, Giles, Montgomery, and Grayson counties, including Blacksburg, Wytheville, and Bluefield. Gusty winds will increase the risk of frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, particularly along ridgelines and open terrain. Drivers may also encounter patches of refreeze on untreated roads early Thursday.
Residents are urged to bundle up, limit time outdoors, and ensure pets and vulnerable neighbors are protected from the cold. Wind chills should gradually improve later Thursday as winds ease, though cold temperatures will persist, and additional cold weather advisories may be issued if conditions worsen.
