Virginia — Cold air bites hard across the New River Valley as dry leaves skitter across pavement and wind whistles through bare trees.
A Cold Weather Advisory goes into effect Sunday morning for Blacksburg and much of southwest Virginia. Arctic air pours in behind a reinforcing cold front, dropping temperatures fast and driving wind chills as low as 15 degrees below zero along higher terrain west of the Blue Ridge.
Sunday starts deceptively calm. Clouds increase by midday, and a few flurries may drift through by afternoon. Winds strengthen quickly from the northwest, gusting 30 to 40 mph by evening. That wind strips away heat fast, turning exposed skin numb in minutes.
Travel impacts may be limited early, but conditions deteriorate rapidly after sunset. Gusty winds combine with falling temperatures to create dangerous exposure risks for anyone outdoors. Drivers on U.S. 460, Route 11, and rural mountain roads should watch for sudden icy patches as temperatures plunge.
By Sunday night, lows fall near 7 degrees, with wind chills dipping well below zero. Frostbite can develop on exposed skin in under 30 minutes. Layers, gloves, hats, and face coverings are essential if heading outside. Pets should be brought indoors, and vulnerable neighbors checked on.
Monday stays cold but calmer. Sunshine returns, yet highs struggle to reach 32 degrees. Winds ease through the afternoon, allowing conditions to slowly improve. Another cold night follows, though not as extreme.
Looking ahead, temperatures rebound steadily. Tuesday warms into the low 40s, and midweek highs climb into the 50s, signaling a brief break from winter’s grip. Still, early December has delivered a clear message: winter patterns are now locked in.
Five-Day Outlook for Blacksburg, VA
Sunday: Windy, flurries possible, high 23
Monday: Sunny, cold, high 32
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high 43
Wednesday: Partly sunny, high 52
Thursday: Chance of rain, high 54
