Charleston, West Virginia – A milder air mass building into the eastern United States ahead of St. Patrick’s Day will push much of the Appalachian region toward rain during the day, but nighttime cooling in higher elevations could still flip precipitation to wet snow between March 11 and March 17.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, the central and southern Appalachians remain within a 40-50% probability zone for above-normal precipitation during the 8-14 day period. Temperatures are projected to trend near to slightly above seasonal averages overall. That warmer pattern favors rainfall in lower valleys, though marginal overnight readings may still support rain-to-snow transitions across ridges and higher terrain.
In cities such as Charleston, Roanoke and Asheville, daytime highs in the 40s and low 50s could keep most precipitation liquid. However, along higher stretches of Interstate 64, Interstate 77 and Interstate 81, temperatures dipping into the lower 30s overnight may allow wet snow to briefly accumulate on grassy surfaces and untreated mountain roads if steadier precipitation lingers.
Communities in the higher elevations of eastern West Virginia, western Virginia and western North Carolina, including areas near Snowshoe and Boone, face the greatest chance of measurable accumulation during pre-dawn hours. Reduced visibility is possible in heavier bursts regardless of precipitation type.
Travelers through the mountain corridors should monitor overnight road conditions where temperatures hover near freezing. Even brief wet snow can create slick spots on bridges and elevated passes. Additional updates are expected as the March 11-17 window approaches and system timing becomes clearer.
