Weather
Southwest Virginia Weather Alert: Cold Weekend Follows Rain Oct 17
Blacksburg, VA – A significant change in temperatures is approaching Southwest Virginia, with Friday's warm afternoon expected to give way to near freezing conditions by Saturday night. Temperatures i
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-10-15T07:50:12.085Z
Blacksburg, VA – A significant change in temperatures is approaching Southwest Virginia, with Friday's warm afternoon expected to give way to near freezing conditions by Saturday night. Temperatures in Blacksburg are forecast to reach 79 degrees Friday, Oct. 16, before falling to approximately 34 degrees late Saturday, creating a 45 degree difference over roughly a day and a half. The weekend cooldown could be particularly noticeable across Montgomery County and the surrounding New River Valley, where residents will experience a transition from mild fall weather to much colder nights.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Friday's sunshine will be followed by increasing clouds, a chance of showers and strengthening northwest winds Friday night. Temperatures are expected to fall from a high near 79 degrees Friday to just 53 degrees Saturday afternoon, before dropping further to around 34 degrees Saturday night. The forecast suggests a substantial cooling trend, although the temperature change will occur over multiple forecast periods rather than within a few hours.
Saturday Night Brings Near Freezing Temperatures Saturday, Oct. 17, is expected to mark the beginning of the colder weekend pattern. Mostly sunny skies should develop after a slight chance of showers before 2 p.m., with afternoon temperatures reaching only 53 degrees. That represents a 26 degree decline from Friday's forecast high, creating a noticeable difference for residents attending outdoor events, visiting Virginia Tech or traveling throughout the New River Valley.
The coldest conditions arrive Saturday night, when mostly clear skies accompany a low near 34 degrees. Sunday's forecast calls for sunshine and a high near 54 degrees, followed by another chilly night with temperatures around 35 degrees. These readings remain above freezing at the official forecast location, but residents in colder, sheltered areas may want to monitor updated forecasts for possible frost development.
Showers and Gusty Winds Precede the Cooldown Before the weekend temperature drop, Thursday brings a more unsettled weather pattern across Blacksburg. Showers are likely, with thunderstorms possible during the afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service places Thursday's precipitation probability at 70%, with rainfall amounts generally between one tenth and one quarter inch, except where thunderstorms produce locally higher totals.
Friday should bring a temporary improvement, with sunshine and an afternoon high near 79 degrees. However, showers become possible again Friday night, particularly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. The precipitation probability is 30%, while northwest winds of 14 to 16 mph could produce gusts as high as 30 mph.
Those conditions may affect travel along Interstate 81, U.S. Route 460 and other roadways serving Montgomery County. Wet pavement and reduced visibility are possible during showers, while gusty winds could be noticeable on exposed stretches of highway. No specific closures or widespread transportation disruptions are identified in the supplied forecast.
Sunshine Returns as Temperatures Slowly Recover Sunday, Oct. 18, is expected to bring sunny skies and a high near 54 degrees, continuing the cooler weekend pattern. Although the weather should be favorable for outdoor activities, temperatures will remain considerably below Friday's anticipated warmth, especially during the morning and evening hours.
By Monday, afternoon temperatures recover to approximately 59 degrees, followed by highs near 64 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday. Mostly sunny to sunny conditions dominate the extended forecast, suggesting a gradual return to milder afternoons.
For Blacksburg and surrounding communities, the most important development remains the transition from Friday's 79 degree warmth to Saturday night's 34 degree low.
Are you preparing for the colder weekend temperatures across Southwest Virginia?
Five Day Weather Outlook Thursday 10/15: Showers are likely, with thunderstorms possible during the afternoon and evening and a 70% precipitation chance. Patchy morning fog is also possible, with a high near 73 degrees and an overnight low around 62.
Friday 10/16: Sunny skies bring an afternoon high near 79 degrees, with west wind gusts reaching 24 mph. Friday night turns mostly cloudy with a 30% chance of showers, northwest gusts up to 30 mph and a low near 47.
Saturday 10/17: A 20% chance of showers remains before 2 p.m., followed by mostly sunny skies and a much cooler high near 53 degrees. Saturday night becomes mostly clear, with temperatures falling to approximately 34 degrees.
Sunday 10/18: Sunshine dominates with an afternoon high near 54 degrees, continuing the cooler weekend pattern. Mostly clear skies are expected Sunday night, with temperatures dropping to around 35 degrees across the Blacksburg forecast area.
Monday 10/19: Sunny skies return with an afternoon high near 59 degrees, beginning a gradual warming trend following the weekend cooldown. Monday night becomes partly cloudy, with temperatures falling to approximately 40 degrees.
Extended Weather Outlook Tuesday, Oct. 20, is expected to bring mostly sunny skies and an afternoon high near 64 degrees, followed by mostly clear conditions and an overnight low around 42 degrees.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, should remain sunny with temperatures reaching approximately 64 degrees.