Charleston, WV – West Virginia could be ringing in 2026 with unusually mild temperatures, as long-range forecasts point to a stretch of near-record warmth developing after Christmas and lasting into the New Year.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the 8–14 day temperature outlook for Saturday, December 27 through Friday, January 2 shows a strong likelihood of above-normal temperatures across much of the Appalachian region, including Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, and Beckley.
For Charleston, daytime highs during the post-Christmas to New Year’s period are expected to run well above late-December averages, with some days potentially approaching or challenging daily temperature records. Late December is typically one of the colder stretches of the year in West Virginia, making the projected warmth especially notable for both lowland and mountain communities.
Forecasters say the pattern is being driven by a broad ridge of high pressure dominating much of the eastern United States, preventing sustained cold air from settling into the region and keeping winter storm systems largely displaced north and west.
The warmth may continue beyond New Year’s Day. NOAA’s Week 3–4 outlook for January 3–16, 2026 continues to favor above-average temperatures across much of West Virginia, particularly in the Kanawha Valley and western portions of the state. While confidence decreases farther out, the overall signal suggests a mild start to January rather than a return to prolonged winter cold.
The extended warmth could impact energy usage, travel conditions, and winter recreation, especially in lower elevations where snow chances may be reduced. Forecasters caution that winter patterns can still shift quickly, but for now, all signs point toward a warm opening to 2026.
