Weather
Southwest Virginia Freeze Warning: 28°F Possible Oct. 18
BLACKSBURG, VA – Residents across southwest Virginia, the New River Valley and neighboring portions of northwest North Carolina and southeast West Virginia are facing a significant overnight temperatu
By Natalie Rhodes · 2026-10-18T00:44:31.773Z
BLACKSBURG, VA – Residents across southwest Virginia, the New River Valley and neighboring portions of northwest North Carolina and southeast West Virginia are facing a significant overnight temperature drop, with a National Weather Service Freeze Warning in effect early Sunday, Oct. 18. Temperatures could fall as low as 28 degrees in some locations, threatening sensitive vegetation, crops and unprotected outdoor plumbing before a warmer weather pattern develops next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, the Freeze Warning remains in effect from 1 a.m. until 9 a.m. EDT Sunday. The warning covers portions of southwest and west central Virginia, northwest North Carolina and southeast West Virginia, including communities such as Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Wytheville, Galax, Boone and Lewisburg. Forecasters warn that frost and freezing temperatures could kill sensitive plants and potentially damage exposed plumbing.
The official warning, updated at 1:15 p.m. Saturday, specifically identifies subfreezing temperatures as low as 28 degrees. While the point forecast for Blacksburg calls for an overnight low near 34 degrees, colder surrounding locations may experience temperatures below freezing. The difference highlights how elevations, valleys and local terrain can produce significant temperature variations across the Appalachian region.
Additional frost is possible early Monday, Oct. 19, according to the agency's Hazardous Weather Outlook. Areas of frost could damage or kill sensitive vegetation, particularly in locations where temperatures fall rapidly overnight. Residents with gardens, agricultural operations or exposed outdoor equipment should take precautions before the coldest morning hours arrive.
The freezing conditions will not last throughout the upcoming week. By Tuesday, Oct. 20, afternoon temperatures in Blacksburg are forecast to climb to approximately 70 degrees, followed by highs in the middle 60s Wednesday through Saturday. This transition will bring a noticeable improvement in daytime conditions, although overnight temperatures will remain cool.
Five Day Southwest Virginia Weather Outlook: Oct. 20 24 Tuesday, Oct. 20: Sunny skies are expected across Blacksburg, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 70 degrees before clear nighttime conditions allow temperatures to fall to around 39 degrees.
Wednesday, Oct. 21: Sunshine continues across the New River Valley, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 66 degrees before mostly clear skies accompany an overnight low near 38 degrees.
Thursday, Oct. 22: Sunny weather is forecast, with afternoon temperatures climbing to approximately 67 degrees before clear nighttime conditions bring lows around 40 degrees.
Friday, Oct. 23: Another sunny day is expected across Blacksburg, with afternoon temperatures near 66 degrees before mostly clear skies and overnight temperatures around 41 degrees.
Saturday, Oct. 24: Sunny skies continue into the weekend, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 64 degrees, maintaining the generally dry and comfortable fall weather pattern.
Extended Outlook: Oct. 25 26 The available National Weather Service point forecast ends Saturday, Oct. 24, and does not establish specific conditions for Sunday, Oct. 25, or Monday, Oct. 26. Updated guidance will be needed before determining whether another period of frost or freezing temperatures could develop.
For residents across Montgomery County, Giles County, Pulaski County and surrounding communities, the immediate concern remains Sunday's early morning freeze. Gardeners should cover or move sensitive plants indoors, while homeowners with vulnerable outdoor plumbing should take appropriate protective measures.
Motorists traveling along Interstate 81, U.S. Route 460 and nearby mountain roads should also remain alert for isolated frost or slick spots wherever moisture freezes. However, the official forecast does not establish widespread icy travel conditions.