Blacksburg, Virginia — Temperatures will drop into the low 30s overnight Saturday, creating widespread frost that could damage vegetation and produce slick spots on elevated roadways across southwest Virginia and nearby mountain communities early Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, clearing skies and light winds will allow temperatures to fall to 30 to 34 degrees between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. Sunday. The coldest period is expected from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m., when frost formation will be most widespread.
Communities including Roanoke, Blacksburg, Wytheville, Boone and Bluefield face the highest risk, especially in valleys and sheltered low-lying areas where cold air settles. Patchy frost may form on bridges and overpasses along I-81 and I-77, creating localized slick spots for early morning drivers. Rural roads and shaded mountain hollows are most vulnerable to rapid surface cooling.
This is part of a broader system bringing dry air and calm conditions into the Appalachian region, allowing heat to escape quickly overnight.
Residents should cover or bring in sensitive plants, avoid watering overnight and use caution on early morning drives where frost may form on untreated surfaces.
The greatest risk for plant damage and slick travel will occur between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday, when temperatures bottom out and frost coverage peaks.
