BLACKSBURG, Va. – A brisk wind whips through the New River Valley this early Monday morning, carrying that unmistakable bite of true fall air. The mountains of southwest Virginia are stepping straight into a dry, sunny, but noticeably cooler pattern — one that could set the stage for the region’s first flirtation with freezing temperatures later this week.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, west winds will remain gusty through Monday with occasional bursts near 30 mph. The chill will ease briefly Tuesday as highs climb into the upper 60s, but clear skies and calm winds will allow heat to escape quickly after sunset. Lows are expected to dip into the upper 30s by Tuesday night, with colder valleys in Giles and Montgomery counties possibly dropping closer to freezing by Thursday morning.
Residents should plan now to protect tender plants, outdoor faucets, and pets. While no rain or snow is in sight through the week, the combination of dry air and clear nights will make for rapid temperature swings — crisp mornings followed by mild afternoons in the upper 50s to near 60. It’s classic October mountain weather: bright, brisk, and hinting at what’s to come…