West Virginia – A pale winter sun rises over the Kanawha Valley this morning, lighting bare hillsides and dry pavement as winter officially arrives without snow or ice. The air feels cool but manageable, and conditions stay calm early, giving residents a quiet entry into the season.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, temperatures climb into the low 40s today with light winds and clear skies. Tonight cools quickly, dropping into the mid-20s. Monday turns milder, with afternoon highs near 50 and increasing clouds as moisture begins streaming north.
Changes arrive late Monday night. Rain becomes likely after midnight and continues into Tuesday, with wet roads developing before the morning commute. Temperatures stay safely above freezing, limiting wintry impacts for most of central West Virginia. Still, slick pavement and reduced visibility could slow travel along I-64, I-77, and U.S. Route 119.
Tuesday stays unsettled. Periods of rain linger through the afternoon, and gusty southwest winds may push showers across the region quickly. By Tuesday night, rain chances dip briefly, though roads remain damp and reflective under streetlights.
Midweek brings another round of wetter weather just as Christmas travel ramps up. Rain chances increase Wednesday night into Christmas Day, with highs climbing into the low 60s. Snow is not expected in the lowlands, but colder air nearby means travelers heading north or into higher elevations should monitor conditions closely.
For now, winter’s opening act feels mild. Keep umbrellas ready, allow extra stopping distance on wet roads, and watch shaded areas late at night if temperatures cool faster than expected. This pattern favors rain over snow, but rapid changes remain possible. Traveling this week? Let us know how road conditions look where you are.
Five-Day Outlook for Charleston, West Virginia
Today: Sunny, high near 43.
Monday: Partly sunny, high near 50.
Tuesday: Rain chances, high near 56.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high near 56.
Christmas Day: Rain likely, mild, high near 63.
