Blacksburg residents can expect patchy drizzle and dense fog Tuesday morning. Reduced visibility may create challenges for commuters along Interstate 81 and U.S. Route 460. Motorists are urged to drive with caution, as slick conditions could also increase risks. Conditions improve as the morning progresses, leading to clearer skies.
Tuesday Afternoon Warm-Up
By Tuesday afternoon, skies will gradually clear. Temperatures are forecast to climb near 80 degrees, creating a mild and pleasant setting after the fog lifts. Light winds and low humidity will make the day feel comfortable, offering a brief window of calm before stormier weather midweek.
Tuesday Night Clouds
As evening approaches, cloud cover is expected to increase across Montgomery County. While Tuesday night will remain relatively quiet, these developing clouds signal the arrival of an unsettled weather pattern. Residents should prepare for shifting conditions and monitor forecasts closely as stronger systems move in overnight into Wednesday.
Midweek Storm Threat
The National Weather Service warns that Wednesday afternoon could bring scattered thunderstorms. These storms carry the potential for heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and frequent lightning. Such conditions may disrupt daily activities, including outdoor classes and events at Virginia Tech, as well as regional sports or recreational outings across the New River Valley.
Safety Considerations
Storm-related hazards include sudden downpours reducing visibility, strong gusts capable of toppling branches, and lightning strikes creating outdoor risks. Authorities urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm periods. Those planning to be outdoors should have backup shelter options and keep electronic devices charged in case of power outages.
Wednesday Night into Thursday
Showers are expected to persist into Wednesday night. By Thursday, rain chances remain high with the likelihood of isolated thunderstorms throughout the day. Rainfall totals could exceed half an inch in some spots. Low-lying areas may briefly flood, especially where drainage systems are slow to handle heavy precipitation.
Commuter Impacts
Drivers in the New River Valley should prepare for slick roads during rainfall. Fog on Tuesday and downpours later in the week will both reduce visibility. Interstate 81 and U.S. 460 are particularly prone to congestion during adverse conditions, making cautious driving and extra travel time essential for commuters.
Impacts on Daily Life
Students, faculty, and staff at Virginia Tech may see outdoor events or campus activities disrupted midweek. Sports practices, outdoor classes, and recreational activities could be delayed or canceled due to storms. Families across Montgomery County should also plan around interruptions for midweek errands, appointments, and after-school activities.
End-of-Week Relief
Conditions are expected to improve gradually by Friday. While a chance of showers and storms remains, skies will turn mostly cloudy with more breaks of sunshine. Temperatures will cool slightly, with highs in the upper 70s. This shift marks the beginning of a quieter, more stable weather trend.
Weekend Forecast
Saturday will feature partly sunny skies with scattered showers possible. Highs will remain near 77 degrees, slightly below earlier week levels. While the risk of storms lingers, rainfall should be lighter and less widespread. Outdoor plans will face fewer disruptions compared to Wednesday and Thursday’s active conditions.
Five-Day Forecast Summary
- Tuesday: Morning fog and drizzle, then mostly sunny. High near 80.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, storms likely after 2 p.m. High near 84.
- Thursday: Showers likely, with isolated storms possible. High near 81.
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, chance of storms. High near 77.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, scattered showers. High near 77.
