What should you know about Roanoke's weather?
- NWS office
- Blacksburg (RNK)
- Climate
- Humid subtropical
- Time zone
- EST/EDT
- Elevation
- 923 ft
- Coordinates
- 37.27° N, 79.94° W
- Nearest radar
- KFCX · Roanoke NEXRAD · 25 mi
- County
- City of Roanoke, VA
- Yearly rain
- 42.8 in
- Warmest month
- July · 77.8°F average
- Coldest month
- January · 37.9°F average
- Severe storm peak
- May to Jul
How much rain does Roanoke get each month?
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 47.1 | 50.8 | 59.0 | 69.7 | 77.2 | 84.4 | 88.1 | 86.5 | 80.0 | 70.1 | 59.0 | 50.0 |
| Low °F | 28.7 | 30.8 | 37.6 | 46.3 | 55.0 | 63.2 | 67.4 | 66.0 | 59.1 | 47.8 | 37.7 | 31.8 |
| Rain (in) | 3.17 | 2.89 | 3.51 | 3.49 | 4.31 | 4.66 | 4.28 | 3.37 | 4.06 | 2.96 | 3.04 | 3.08 |
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 47.1 | 28.7 | 3.17 |
| Feb | 50.8 | 30.8 | 2.89 |
| Mar | 59.0 | 37.6 | 3.51 |
| Apr | 69.7 | 46.3 | 3.49 |
| May | 77.2 | 55.0 | 4.31 |
| Jun | 84.4 | 63.2 | 4.66 |
| Jul | 88.1 | 67.4 | 4.28 |
| Aug | 86.5 | 66.0 | 3.37 |
| Sep | 80.0 | 59.1 | 4.06 |
| Oct | 70.1 | 47.8 | 2.96 |
| Nov | 59.0 | 37.7 | 3.04 |
| Dec | 50.0 | 31.8 | 3.08 |
ROANOKE RGNL AP, VA US · 4 mi away · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020
Can mountains stop a storm approaching on Roanoke weather radar?
Mountains offer no guarantee that an approaching thunderstorm line will weaken before reaching Roanoke. The national assessment of the historic June derecho documented strong winds at Roanoke and continuing wind damage as the storm crossed the Appalachians. Radar reflectivity weakened during that crossing even though wind damage continued. Keep following the leading edge of an approaching line and NWS Blacksburg warnings instead of treating fading rain colors as an all-clear.
What made the Election Day flood so dangerous in Roanoke?
Heavy rain fell onto ground already soaked by the remains of Hurricane Juan, leaving little capacity to absorb another downpour. The Roanoke River responded almost immediately to the intense rainfall. The historical radar account describes a line of echoes that slowed markedly before the flooding worsened. When a band slows over already wet ground today, compare the loop with river observations rather than waiting for a brighter radar color.
Why can heavy snow linger over the Roanoke Valley behind a coastal storm?
A band of heavy snow can pivot behind the departing surface low and remain over the valley. NWS Blacksburg documented that pattern in its February snowstorm review, describing a nearly stationary zone over the New River and Roanoke Valleys. Continued snowfall beneath that zone added to snow already on the ground. Watch the back edge of the precipitation for a band that rotates or stalls before assuming the storm is ending.
Does a quiet radar mean Roanoke roads cannot be icy?
No, a quiet precipitation map does not establish that road surfaces are above freezing. At the airport climate station, January averages a high of 47.1°F and a low of 28.7°F, so the monthly daytime and nighttime normals fall on opposite sides of freezing. Use the hourly temperature trend alongside the loop when wet pavement may cool overnight. A gap between showers is useful for timing a trip, but it is not a measurement of road ice.
When should you check the Roanoke radar?
Thunderstorm peak
May to JulyBefore picnicking at Roanoke Mountain Picnic Area, scan for growing cells and approaching storm lines. If thunder interrupts the outing, move into a substantial building or enclosed vehicle.
Atlantic hurricane season
June to NovemberRepeated rain bands warrant attention along Tinker Creek, which has overflowed onto roads during major flooding. Check closures before using creekside routes when tropical moisture keeps feeding showers into the area.
What else do people ask about the Roanoke radar?
Which NWS office and radar cover Roanoke?
NWS Blacksburg (RNK) issues forecasts and warnings for Roanoke. The nearest NEXRAD radar is KFCX, about 25 miles from the city center.
How often does the radar on this page update?
The radar loop on this page updates every 5 minutes.
Is this page an official warning service?
No. It shows radar and forecasts only. For warnings, follow NWS Blacksburg and local emergency alerts.
Quick facts
- Radar: KFCX (Roanoke NEXRAD), a new frame every 5 minutes
- Forecasts and warnings: NWS Blacksburg (RNK)
- Severe storms peak from May to July (NOAA Storm Events, 1996 to 2025)
- Local time: EST/EDT
- Radar: KFCX, a new frame every 5 minutes
- Warnings: NWS Blacksburg (RNK)
- Severe storms: May to July
- Local time: EST/EDT
Where does this data come from?
- NOAA NEXRAD radar via Iowa Environmental Mesonet
- National Weather Service, Blacksburg office
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020: ROANOKE RGNL AP, VA US
- NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996 to 2025
- USGS Elevation Point Query Service
- GOES-East satellite imagery
- Open-Meteo forecast API
- OpenStreetMap contributors
- National Weather Service: Historic June 2012 derecho assessment
- NWS Blacksburg: The floods of November 1985, then and now
- NWS Blacksburg: Spring 2014 newsletter and February snowstorm review
- National Park Service: Roanoke Mountain Picnic Area
- National Hurricane Center: Atlantic hurricane season climatology