ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)—Colder air will wedge its way into Southwest and Central Virginia on Monday. A mix of rain, snow, sleet, and freezing rain will have the chance to impact the region.
Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for Giles, Craig, Alleghany, Bath, Highland, and southeastern Pocahontas counties through Tuesday morning. Winter Storm Warnings are in place for northwestern Pocahontas and western Greenbrier counties. For the advisory area, snowfall totals up to an inch may occur, with ice totals up to 0.20″ possible. In the warning, snowfall totals of 1-3″ are expected, with the potential for ice totals up to 0.30″.
Light precipitation will arrive from the west in the morning, overspreading eastwards into the afternoon. Areas along and north of I-64 can expect a snow/sleet mix to start the event, with a cold rain anticipated elsewhere. By the afternoon, rain will be more widespread, with snow and sleet mixing in at times. Overnight, warmer air aloft will allow for a transition to freezing rain. As temperatures warm, regular rain showers will return on Tuesday.
Due to the spring-like conditions over the weekend, the ground will likely be too warm to support snow/ice accumulation. Winter weather impacts are more likely at elevations above 2,500 feet, especially near the West Virginia—Virginia line. Slippery conditions may develop on roads and sidewalks.
A cold-air wedge will keep Southwest and Central Virginia cooler on Monday and Tuesday. For Monday, highs will be in the 30s and lower 40s. The wedge will start to erode on Tuesday, allowing afternoon temperatures to reach the lower and middle 50s.
A developing ridge of high pressure will lead to a big warm-up for the second half of the week. On Wednesday, temperatures will rise into the warmer-than-average 60s and lower 70s. Highs will generally be in the 70s for the remainder of the week. A few locations east of the Blue Ridge could hit the 80-degree mark.
Some hit-or-miss rain showers are possible for the second half of the week through the weekend. Due to the warmer conditions, isolated thunderstorms cannot be ruled out during the afternoon hours each day…