Rain changing to snow
Ahead of a strong cold front, temperatures warmed into the 50s and lower 60s under cloudy skies. A few passing showers were seen in the morning and the precipitation will become more scattered in the afternoon and evening. The cold front is expected to be east of the area this evening and colder air will gradually spill in behind the front. Temperatures will begin to fall by the middle of the afternoon and by late this evening, the rain will change over to sleet and snow in the mountains first. By early Wednesday morning, the changeover will happen east of the Blue Ridge. The precipitation will be done near sunrise. Snowfall totals of 1-3” is expected for areas west of the Blue Ridge such as western Greenbrier, western Pocahontas, Highland, Bath and western Grayson counties. Up to an inch of snow is possible in the New River Valley, while a light coating is possible for the Roanoke Valley. This will collect on the grass and cold surfaces such as a car. A few snowflakes may come down in Lynchburg and Southside, but no accumulation is expected. Wednesday will be breezy at times with highs in the 30s and lower 40s. Highs for Thursday will be in the upper 30s and lower 40s under sunny skies. The next system to watch moves in Friday which could bring us a wintry mix that’ll change over to a cold rain.
