Blacksburg, Virginia – Virginia residents woke up to one of the harshest cold snaps of the season as Arctic air settled firmly over the New River Valley early Monday. In Blacksburg, temperatures hovered near 7 degrees, but biting winds pushed wind chills down to nearly –13 degrees, creating hazardous conditions for anyone outdoors before sunrise.
Clear skies overnight allowed heat to escape rapidly, leaving frost-coated vehicles, frozen ground, and engines struggling to turn over. The extreme cold marked a sharp reminder that winter conditions can arrive suddenly across southwest Virginia.
Cold Weather Advisory Remains in Effect
The National Weather Service office in Blacksburg confirmed that a Cold Weather Advisory remains in place through 10 a.m. Meteorologists warned that exposed skin can develop frostbite in as little as 30 minutes under these conditions, especially with sustained wind.
Residents were urged to:
- Limit time outdoors early today
- Wear insulated layers, hats, gloves, and face coverings
- Keep pets indoors until temperatures improve
Even short errands without proper protection can pose risks during extreme wind chills like those experienced this morning.
Travel Conditions and Vehicle Concerns
Road conditions across the region remain mostly dry, but officials cautioned drivers not to underestimate the impact of extreme cold on vehicles. Low temperatures can reduce tire pressure, thicken engine fluids, and strain batteries.
Early commuters were advised to allow extra warm-up time and keep winter essentials in their vehicles. Shaded areas may still experience flash freezing, where melting frost quickly refreezes, creating slick spots on bridges, sidewalks, and secondary roads.
Gradual Improvement Later Today
Relief is expected as sunshine strengthens through the afternoon, allowing temperatures to rebound into the mid-30s. While still cold, the warming trend will ease stress on household plumbing and reduce the immediate frostbite risk.
Cold conditions will persist overnight into Tuesday morning, but daytime temperatures will climb steadily as the Arctic air begins to retreat.
Warmer Trend Builds Midweek
By Tuesday afternoon, highs are expected to reach the upper 40s, offering a noticeable break from early-week cold. The warming trend accelerates on Wednesday as southerly winds develop, pushing highs into the low 50s.
This shift will melt remaining frost and dampen roadways, though increasing cloud cover late Wednesday may signal another weather change on the horizon.
Rain Chance and Changing Conditions Ahead
Meteorologists say a chance of rain develops Thursday afternoon, with highs in the low to mid-50s. Wet pavement could impact travel, especially if temperatures dip again after sunset later in the week.
By Friday, cooler air returns behind the system, with clearing skies and highs near 39 degrees, reinforcing the back-and-forth nature of December weather in the Appalachian region.
A Reminder of December’s Volatility
Forecasters note that this pattern is typical for southwest Virginia, where winter weather can arrive quickly, retreat briefly, and then reload with little notice. With Christmas travel approaching, residents are encouraged to stay alert for rapid forecast changes and prepare for fluctuating conditions.
Planning ahead remains key, especially during early-morning hours when cold-related risks peak.
Five-Day Outlook for Blacksburg, Virginia
- Today: Sunny, dangerously cold early. High near 35°F
- Tuesday: Sunny and milder. High near 47°F
- Wednesday: Partly sunny and warm. High near 51°F
- Thursday: Increasing clouds, rain possible late. High near 53°F
- Friday: Cooler with clearing skies. High near 39°F
As Virginia transitions from extreme cold to milder weather and back again, residents are urged to dress for the conditions, protect pets and pipes, and monitor forecasts closely.
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