Charleston, West Virginia – Residents across the Ohio River Valley face a brutal stretch of extreme heat starting late Monday morning, with heat index values soaring to 105°F through Wednesday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, the Extreme Heat Warning now spans northeast Kentucky, southeast Ohio, and much of western and central West Virginia, including Charleston, Huntington, Ashland, Ironton, and Jackson. The warning runs from 11 a.m. Monday to 8 p.m. Wednesday.
The heat will be especially intense across cities like Charleston, Point Pleasant, and Gallipolis, where high humidity will make temperatures feel more oppressive. Outdoor work and exercise should be minimized between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., when the heat index is at its peak.
Emergency officials urge residents to stay hydrated, limit sun exposure, and avoid leaving children or pets in vehicles. Use air conditioning if available, or check local cooling centers.
Those in rural areas like Roane, Lincoln, and Mason counties should check on vulnerable neighbors, especially the elderly and those without cooling options.
This extended heat wave could strain power grids and increase the risk of heat-related illness. Warnings remain in effect through Wednesday night, with updates possible if conditions worsen.
