Southwest and Southside Virginia Weather

This isn't a road, it's a creek bed at Starkey Park in southwest Roanoke County, usually flowing with at least a little water this time of year, but not even a trickle on March 30 when this photo was taken. Phoot by Kevin Myatt.

Weather

April set to hit dry spell after monthslong dry tilt

by Kevin Myatt April 8, 2026April 7, 2026

A rearranging atmospheric pattern over North America will park warm, dry high pressure over Virginia for several days.

A rainbow seemingly stretches over the Roanoke Valley on March 11, which was an 87-degree day in Roanoke, actually hotter than 24 of 31 days last August. Courtesy of Shawna Morrison.

Weather

Some foolish (but totally true) regional weather facts on April 1

by Kevin Myatt April 1, 2026March 31, 2026

Every day is April Fools’ Day on the internet. However, some real but weird statistics can show how dry, warm and snowy (or not) it’s been in our region recently.

The rising sun offers a warm glow over the Blue Ridge on a cold Tuesday morning, March 24, in southern Roanoke County. Photo by Kevin Myatt.

Weather

Summer beating out winter to make March one of warmest on record

by Kevin Myatt March 25, 2026March 25, 2026

Virginia’s heat has been more sporadic and less intense than that in the western U.S., but that may start moving our way to start April.

Warm temperatures got the flowers blooming before snow coated the ground on Thursday, March 11, in Lexington Courtesy of Andy Simon.

Weather

How does snow accumulate after it’s been so warm?

by Kevin Myatt March 18, 2026March 17, 2026

Twice in the past week, parts of Cardinal News’ coverage area have experienced accumulating snow hours after much warmer temperatures.

Weather

Tornado confirmed in Martinsville with minor damage

by Kevin Myatt March 17, 2026March 18, 2026

Power has been restored to nearly everyone who lost it in Virginia during high winds Monday evening.

Weather

Gusty winds knock out power for over 100,000 in Virginia

by Kevin Myatt March 16, 2026March 16, 2026

A dynamic storm system was not as prolific with tornadoes as expected in Virginia, but brought heavier snow than anticipated to much of Southwest Virginia.

The Storm Prediction Center map for Monday shows a moderate risk in red -- level 4 out of 5 for potential severe storm areal coverage -- from Danville and Lynchburg eastward, with somewhat lesser risk areas to the west. Any location in Virginia has some risk for damaging winds, hail, or a tornado on Monday, before gusty cold winds and snow showers return later in the day. Courtesy of National Weather Service.

Weather

Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes possible Monday with another sharp temperature shift

by Kevin Myatt March 15, 2026March 15, 2026

Monday’s risk of severe storms across Virginia is a sequel to last week’s 80s-to-snow transition — and some snow is again possible in western Virginia by late Monday.