Weather
Virginia Weather Alert: Friday Freeze, 29° Saturday, Nov 12-16
Blacksburg, VA — Virginia residents could experience a dramatic November temperature swing as rain, gusty winds and increasingly cold air move across the mountains. Temperatures in Blacksburg could dr
By Erin Vale · 2026-11-12T09:38:49.491Z
Blacksburg, VA — Virginia residents could experience a dramatic November temperature swing as rain, gusty winds and increasingly cold air move across the mountains. Temperatures in Blacksburg could drop from 55 degrees Thursday afternoon to just 25 degrees by Sunday night.
The developing cold spell could bring several mornings below freezing across Montgomery County, including communities near Christiansburg, Radford and the New River Valley.
According to the National Weather Service, Blacksburg faces a 40% chance of rain Thursday, primarily before 4 p.m. Afternoon temperatures should reach 55 degrees before colder northwest winds begin changing conditions.
West winds of 8 11 mph could gust to 26 mph, adding a noticeable chill as temperatures begin falling.
Drivers along U.S. Route 460 and Interstate 81 should remain alert for wet pavement and changing visibility during passing showers.
Friday Brings 31° Temperatures and Gusty Winds The most significant temperature change begins Friday.
Afternoon highs reach only 44 degrees, an 11 degree decline from Thursday. Northwest winds around 10 mph could gust to 26 mph.
By Friday night, temperatures fall to approximately 31 degrees, slipping below the freezing mark.
That creates conditions favorable for frost and localized icy patches wherever moisture remains on exposed surfaces.
Bridges, elevated roadways and untreated surfaces deserve particular attention when temperatures approach freezing. However, widespread icing is not specifically predicted in the local forecast.
Saturday and Sunday: Colder Air Settles Across Southwest Virginia Saturday brings partly sunny skies, but temperatures struggle to reach 41 degrees.
By Saturday night, lows fall near 29 degrees, increasing the potential for freezing conditions across the New River Valley.
Sunday offers sunshine and a modest afternoon recovery to 45 degrees.
However, temperatures could plunge to 25 degrees Sunday night, marking the coldest reading in the five day outlook.
Residents should protect sensitive outdoor plants, disconnect vulnerable garden hoses and prepare for freezing mornings.
The National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center is tracking a broader polar air outbreak across the eastern United States.
Wet snow could reach portions of the southern and central Appalachians Friday night into Saturday morning, particularly in higher terrain.
Importantly, the Blacksburg specific forecast does not currently indicate accumulating snowfall.
Looking Ahead: Warmer Afternoons, Freezing Nights Monday brings sunshine and a high near 52 degrees, offering some relief from the weekend chill.
However, Monday night temperatures could fall back to 25 degrees.
Tuesday brings additional improvement, with highs near 54 degrees, while Wednesday could reach 60 degrees.
As Thanksgiving approaches, residents should continue monitoring changing weather patterns. Colder air can increase opportunities for winter precipitation, but no specific Thanksgiving snow event is established by the supplied forecast.
For now, the immediate concern is the sharp transition from mild November weather to several freezing nights.
How cold will temperatures get in your neighborhood this weekend? Share what you're seeing across Southwest Virginia.