Charleston, West Virginia – A milder air mass building across the central Appalachians ahead of St. Patrick’s Day will push much of West Virginia and Virginia toward rain during daylight hours, 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, both states 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 across valleys and metro areas, though marginal overnight readings may still support rain-to-snow transitions in mountainous terrain.
In Charleston, Huntington and Roanoke, daytime highs in the 40s and low 50s should keep most precipitation liquid. However, along Interstate 64 and Interstate 77, especially during pre-dawn hours, temperatures dipping into the lower 30s could allow brief wet snow to mix in on grassy surfaces and untreated secondary roads.
Higher elevations along the West Virginia Turnpike, Interstate 81 through the Shenandoah Valley and communities near Snowshoe, Blacksburg and Wytheville face the greatest chance of minor overnight accumulation. Heavier bursts could briefly reduce visibility regardless of precipitation type.
Travelers through the mountain corridors should monitor overnight and early morning 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.
