Blacksburg, VA – A wintry mix is on the way to southwest Virginia, with forecasters warning that even minor snow or ice could make Friday’s commute slippery. After a calm, sunny stretch, clouds will thicken Thursday night as a moisture band spreads across the Blue Ridge. Temperatures hovering near freezing will allow for 0.5 to 1.5 inches of snow, with a brief changeover to freezing rain in some valleys.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, precipitation will begin before sunrise Friday and persist through the morning. Light snow is likely along higher ridges, while lower elevations near the New River Valley may see a mix of sleet and rain. Roads along Route 460, I-81, and local mountain passes could become slick during the early commute, especially before crews treat surfaces.
By midday Friday, temperatures should edge above freezing, transitioning precipitation back to light rain. Still, any untreated areas may refreeze quickly as lows return to the upper 20s Friday night. Drivers are urged to allow extra travel time, use caution on bridges and shaded curves, and avoid sudden braking on wet or icy pavement.
The weekend looks calmer and slightly milder, with highs in the mid-40s Saturday under mostly cloudy skies. A weak clipper system could bring a few flakes again late Sunday night into Monday.
Winter has officially made its first mark across southwest Virginia — and more may follow as December deepens.
Seeing flakes already? Share your photos from the Blue Ridge below!
5-Day Outlook for Blacksburg, VA (Dec. 3–7):
- Thursday: Partly sunny, high 41°F, low 25°F.
- Friday: Snow and wintry mix, 0.5–1.5”, high 35°F, low 30°F.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high 44°F, low 28°F.
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high 43°F, low 27°F.
- Monday: Chance of snow early, high 41°F, low 23°F.
